Tiffany Curtis

Rev. Tiffany Curtis is trained as a clinical chaplain, spiritual director, and facilitator, and has worked extensively as a community organizer and in prison settings. She serves as a Peer Group Convener for NBA and has ongoing commitments to grassroots community work in the U.S., Ecuador, and Honduras. Tiffany grew up in a bilingual family and in an immigrant congregation in southern California. She now lives in New Mexico and is the minister of The Open Circle: A Disciples of Christ Community, and is also the co-founder and lead organizer of the Santa Fe Faith Network for Immigrant Justice. Tiffany holds a B.A. from Chapman University in Peace Studies and Latin American Studies and an M.Div. from Harvard University. Tiffany is nourished by quality time with loved ones, practicing yoga, and being outside.

Getting to know Tiffany

Why do you feel “called to care” about Disciples health and social service ministry?

We know that one of the primary identities of Jesus was as a healer. I see Jesus as practicing healing on every level – physical, spiritual, emotional, interpersonal, and societal. As Disciples of Christ, we are called to follow Jesus in a ministry of healing. I am humbled to collaborate in the ongoing process of healing myself and our communities alongside my prophetic and compassionate Disciples colleagues.

Who is a hero of yours, and why?

James Baldwin is a hero of mine for his incredible depth as a public intellectual and writer, who was far ahead of his time in his analysis of American society. His identities as a gay Black man who grew up in a very devout and restrictive religious environment led to such rich reflection, which is both personal and political. One of my (many) favorite quotes from his writing is this: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them. Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”

If I tried to find you in a supermarket, what aisle would you be in?

Definitely produce! (Especially looking for ripe avocados.)