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Michael Battle is a seminary administrator, professor, priest, writer, speaker and retreat leader. His ministry covers the globe and focuses on Christian non-violence, human spirituality and African Church studies.

Michael lived in residence with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa for two years -- 1993-1994 -- and was ordained a priest in South Africa by Desmond Tutu in 1993. Michael has written out of his studies and friendship with Desmond Tutu, including such books as Reconciliation: The Ubuntu Theology of Desmond Tutu, and The Wisdom of Desmond Tutu.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers: A Christian Spirituality of Nonviolence is out now with Mercer University Press. This book wrestles with how Christian practices of nonviolence are often neglected, and makes explicit connections between Mahatma Gandhi and Christian spirituality.

A recent book project is co-written with Tony Campolo entitled -- The Church Enslaved: A Spirituality of Racial Reconciliation (Fortress Press). Michael's latest book project, The Black Church in America: African American Spirituality will soon be published.

Michael is currently Vice President, Associate Dean of Academic Studies and Associate Professor of Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.

He also serves as Chaplain to the Episcopal House of Bishops; member of Theology Committee of the Episcopal Church; Spiritual Director for CREDO, the Wellness Conference of the Episcopal Church; and member of the Board of Directors for Kanuga Conferences, Inc.

He has served in the following capacities as Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Black Church Studies at the Divinity School of Duke University, Durham , North Carolina; Rector of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Raleigh , North Carolina; Assistant Professor of Moral and Spiritual Theology at the University of the South; Assistant Priest at Church of the Holy Family, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Assistant Priest at Christ the Redeemer Church in South Africa; Vice-Chair of M.K. Gandhi Institute; Member of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Consultation; Board Member of the Tutu Peace Trust; Theological Consultant of the World Council of Churches; Program Committee of Kanuga Conferences, Inc.; and Board Member of the Episcopal Evangelical Education Society.

He and his wife, Raquel, were married at the Olympic Village in Atlanta with Archbishop Tutu celebrant. They have two daughters, Sage and Bliss, both baptized at St. Ambrose by the Archbishop. For relaxation Michael enjoys weight lifting, running marathons, swimming, bicycling, basketball, chess, scrabble, good movies, music (classical, acoustical, contemporary, jazz), comic books, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.

More information at Michael Battle's website

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