The REv. Daniel Kline

St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs

Nominee’s Bio: I have been one of the Co-Rectors of the Church of the St. Paul in the Desert for the past four years, working with my spouse, the Rev. Jessie Thompson. Together, we have helped the parish navigate coming out of COVID and grow - both spiritually and numerically. We were able to apply for and implement a grant from California State's Office of Emergency Services for $200K to improve security and communications infrastructure on our campus. We also just finished a $500K renovation of our aging parish hall, which will create new opportunities for community partnerships and expanded outreach ministries. Last May, I was quoted in the New York Times as our church came alongside the Survivors of Section 14. Due to our parish's active advocacy and involvement, Palm Springs is only the second city in the country to issue a reparations settlement since the murder of George Floyd in 2020. My previous call was as an Associate Rector at St. Paul's, Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, PA and served as an ordained minister in another tradition for many years before that. In addition to having a Certificate in Anglican Studies from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, I have a MS in Church Management from Villanova University's School of Business. I am passionate about investing in lay leaders, helping to bridge best practices from the fields of non-profit and business management with spiritual discernment and a respect for scripture, tradition, and reason.

Nominee’s Statement in Favor of Their Candidacy: I believe that my knowledge and skill set would be an asset as the diocese undergoes its strategic plan. St. Paul in the Desert is in the middle of a five year strategic. My experience working through that would be beneficial as the diocese seeks to implement its second strategic plan under Bishop Susan. I also spent the past 3 years serving on the Commission on Ministry and would bring my experience from that important ministry of spiritual discernment to the Executive Council.