During COVID-19, Daniel will conduct all initial inquiries via videoconference
About Daniel
A 6-foot-7 View
The Reverend Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff, a native Hoosier, has lived in Connecticut since 2009. Locally ordained in 2000, Daniel is now ministerially affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and the American Protestant Union. When not engaged in ministry, Daniel enjoys conducting the American Chamber Singers, playing the double bass for the American Chamber Orchestra, singing for hire, reading poetry and nonfiction, saying "hi hi hi" to any dog who will look his way, and staying fit. Daniel serves on the board of the CTGLC Foundation and the Gay Coaches Alliance, is Convener of the Queering the Liturgy Seminar in the North American Academy of Liturgy, and is Vice-Chair of the Ethics and Disciplinary Council for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.
Daniel's achievements include, but are not limited to:
- At 26, the youngest person to run for Illinois State Treasurer in a general election.
- First person of Asian descent to run for a statewide constitutional office in Illinois.
- First openly LGBTQ+ person to run for any statewide office in Illinois.
- Being ranked among 30 Under 30 in Chicago by Windy City Times.
- Singing in Carnegie Hall on two separate occasions.
- Founder of a church that still thrives.
- Writing and later teaching the LGBT Studies curriculum for the University of Wisconsin system.
- Publication of two articles in the Encyclopedia of Sexuality.
Pastor and Church Planter
In 2015, Daniel planted a church, later to become its pastor. Now he is Pastor Emeritus of what has become a multicultural gathering of LGBTQ+ seekers, which is an independent congregation, very closely affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists, Bautistas por la Paz/BFPNA, and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists.
A new community is emerging. The website for that project now underway is www.intersectional.church .
Wedding Officiant
With over 20 years of professional ministerial experience, one of Daniel's weddings appeared in the Style section of The New York Times on March 21, 2021. Holding dual standing as a Baptist pastor and American Protestant minister, he is authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Unlike a local justice of the peace or an internet-ordained officiant, Daniel has earned two theological master's degrees as well as the Doctor of Ministry, preparing him to handle any eventuality with grace, humor, and style. See www.officiant.pro to access Daniel's wedding website.
Spiritual Companion/Director
In spiritual direction, Daniel welcomes all seekers, regardless of faith orientation—including traumatized, LGBTQ+, and low-income directees. After completing a year of practicum at Mercy by the Sea (the "Mercy Center"), Daniel continued his formation with the innovative Urban Spiritual Center. He is now the Board President of the Society of Certified Spiritual Directors, a nonprofit organization committed to excellence of training and certification of spiritual directors. See www.embodiedspirit.org for Daniel's Spiritual Direction website.
Life, Health, and Fitness Coach
Daniel's yearlong training through Health Coach Institute (HCI) qualifies him as both Life Coach and Health Coach. He has also studied with the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) College of Exercise Science Master Trainer program, encompassing the following certifications: Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, Weight Management Specialist, DNA-Based Fitness Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist (preventing injury), Exercise Therapy Certification (recovering from injury), and annual CPR/AED training. See www.embodiedspirit.org for Daniel's Coaching website.
Chaplain
After divinity school, Daniel completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Stamford (CT) and Norwalk (CT) Hospitals, specializing in psychiatric chaplaincy, making him eligible to become a board certified chaplain. For the past ten years, he has worked professionally as a hospice, hospital, and nursing home chaplain. Additionally, he earned the designations Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Dementia Practitioner®.
Musician
A choral artist, Daniel has performed with known ensembles, such as Concora, Pro Arte Singers, Yale Camerata, Yale Pro Musica, Charis Chamber Voices, and the Orpheus Choir. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 and performed there once again 15 years later. As a double bassist, Daniel plays for the American Chamber Orchestra, Trouper's Light Opera, and the Danbury (CT) Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Daniel has become Musical Director/Conductor of the American Chamber Singers, based in Connecticut.
Professor
Daniel has enjoyed teaching at Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin—Parkside, where he developed and taught traditional semester-length courses as well as intensive and evening formats. Course titles included Understandings of Religion (on the world's religions and philosophies), LGBT Studies, Asians in American Society, and Death and Dying. He has also been invited to be a panelist or speaker in venues such as at Quinnipiac University School of Social Work, North American Academy of Liturgy, the Society of Certified Senior Advisors' Annual Conference, Liberal Religious Educators' Association, New England Association of United Church Educators, and the National Educators Association's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly.
