Rev. Dr. Kathi Martin

Rev. Dr. Kathi E. Martin is a community “bridge builder” who believes we are more powerful change agents when working together than when we are divided.  Her passion is to build bridges of understanding across the divides of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, or any other socially constructed barrier. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.  Dr. Martin is the former pastor of First Immanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founder of God, Self, and Neighbor Ministries (A ministry of the Untied Church of Christ), and former Minister for Multi-cultural Outreach at  First Metropolitan Community Church.  She also provided spiritual guidance as a member of the ministerial staff at Victory For The World Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Dr. Martin is a powerful and engaging preacher/teacher. Her sermon, “Witness for the Defense”, was published in Dr. Ella P. Mitchell’s book, Those Preaching Women, Vol. 3

Dr. Martin is an activist in the LGBT community. She has lobbied on the federal and state level against the Marriage Amendment, in support of the Hate Crimes Bill, and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.  She is active as an ally to the transgender community and has been the keynote speaker for the Atlanta Transgender Day of Remembrance.  Dr. Martin has spoken at various local and national events including The National Coalition of Gay and Lesbian Concerns, In The Life Atlanta, and Miami Black Gay Pride.  She has also participated on numerous panels and conducted workshops on LGBT concerns at Spelman College, Morehouse College , Agnes Scott College, Emory University , The Black Church Summit on Sexuality, and various church and civic organizations.

Dr. Martin’s main passion is to intentionally build communities where persons of all walks of life are affirmed, respected, protected, and welcomed.

Dr. Martin has a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from The New Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master of Divinity from The Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary where her project was entitled: Wounded and Healed in the House of a Friend: The Faith Experience of African American Gay and Lesbian Persons.  She is presently completing a Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Columbia Theological Seminary.