Go Speak: Reconciliation Edition

The Rev. Deb Blackwood, Ph.D.

Liaison for Refugee Ministries

As the liaison for refugee ministries, the Rev. Deb Blackwood is a resource, a connector of people and an advocate for those who come to our shores from different parts of the world, seeking a chance to live, work, worship and participate in this great experiment in democracy.

She is ready and willing to meet and discuss the challenges faced by the courageous people who comprise the immigrant and refugee populations, and what we can do to help and support them. Clericus meetings, Convocation gatherings, parishes meetings - wherever works for you, she's ready to help you get started or take the next step in this important ministry.

The Rev. Monnie Riggin

Deacon for Anti-racism and Reconciliation

The Rev. Daniel Dario Robayo Hidalgo

Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries
919-834-7474, ext. 5414 |

Robayo served as the rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia for nine years before joining diocesan staff. A priest for 30 years who has served in a wide variety of parish settings and diocesan leadership roles, Robayo has great gifts in formation and congregational development. He understands his vocation as “empowering the ministry of the baptized in the church as well as in the world.” His passion is to “give people the tools to reflect theologically about their Christian identity and their place in the world so that in their daily lives they may represent Christ to the world.”

A native of Venezuela who has spent most of his adult life as an Episcopalian in the United State, Robayo seeks to walk with the worship communities of the diocese through the opportunities and challenges of being a multilingual, intercultural Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement.

Robayo is married to Nancy Urrecheaga-Robayo, an educator with many years of experience as a classroom teacher, principal and Godly Play instructor. Between them, they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

The Rev. Kathy Walker

Missioner for Black Ministries
919-834-7474, ext. 5413; 786-417-3261 |

The Rev. Kathy Walker previously served as the associate rector for pastoral care and parish life at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, Florida, though her call to church leadership and ministry is one she has answered her entire life. Prior to becoming a member of the clergy, over her lifetime she has served as a licensed lay reader, a lay Eucharistic minister, vestry member and church officer. She was instrumental in the founding of the David Henry Brooks chapter of Union of Black Episcopalians in the Diocese of Florida, and while serving as its president organized multiple forums about the future of Black churches.

Kathy believes strongly in the honoring and continuity of Black churches and hopes in her new role to help as many as possible not only survive, but flourish. She also wants to work with congregations to deepen their churches’ roots in the communities they already serve so well, and build leadership opportunities in the Church for future generations.