Center for Christogenesis Board

Ed Bacon is an Episcopal priest whose central passion is teaching that Jesus embodied a Love-based life as opposed to a fear-based ideology.  Stemming from that foundation, Ed teaches the Oneness of all creation, rethinking Christianity as non-bigoted, science-friendly, interfaith, and grace-based. Ed also promotes peace and justice for all regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

After his 2016 retirement from 35 years of being senior priest of Episcopal churches, Ed continues his priesthood as speaker, retreat leader, consultant, and writer. His longest tenure was leading All Saints Church in Pasadena, California for 21 years. From January 2019 until July 2021, he was Interim Rector of St. Luke’s Church, downtown Atlanta, where Ed was ordained in 1983.  He also served as Mercer University Campus Minister and Dean of Students; St. Mark’s, Dalton Georgia, Rector; and Cathedral of St. Andrew, Jackson Mississippi, Dean.

Author of 8 Habits of Love, Ed has been a guest host on Oprah Winfrey’s Soul Series (Oprah & Friends Radio) and a guest panelist in the Spirituality 101 segment of The Oprah Winfrey Show’s “Living Your Best Life” series. Ms. Winfrey named Ed Bacon a “Soul Teacher” on her “SuperSoul 100” list, a collection of “100 awakened leaders who are using their voices to elevate humanity.”

A longtime friend of Ilia, Martha Johnston joined Ilia and the Center for Christogenesis early in its inception. She is one of the original board members and financial supporter of the Center. An active member of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. since 2001, Martha facilitates her parish’s weekly contemplative prayer group in Washington DC and organizes semi-annual 6-day silent retreats. Martha continues to strengthen the bridge between the Center for Christogenesis and Contemplative Outreach. After more than 12 years working in the U.S. Senate, Martha was honored to work for President George H. W. Bush at the United States Information Agency and the Department of State; followed by President George W. Bush at the Federal Communications Commission. She recently retired as a private sector telecommunications lobbyist.

Frank assists industry & patient organizations in developing new medicines & has helped secure FDA approval for hundreds of new drugs, mostly for very serious & rare diseases. Frank is an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at U. of Rochester medical school & has a BS (biology/genetics, Cornell), MS & MPH (U. of Cal. @ Berkeley) & JD (Georgetown).