About Daniel
The Reverend Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Schlorff is a pastor, coach, spiritual director, musician, and budding scholar. Daniel is Senior Minister of Third Congregational Church of Middletown, CT and resides in Middletown with his fiancé, Walter.
Education
After earning ministerial and theological master's degrees at Meadville/Lombard (when affiliated with the University of Chicago Divinity School) and Hartford Seminary, he completed the Doctor of Ministry and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion at Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, CA). Additionally, he has completed the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising through the Lake Institute through Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Daniel now pursues the global Master of Business Administration in Management at the University of the People.
Professional Engagement
Daniel is past-Chair (and continuing member) of the Ethics and Disciplinary Council of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. Additionally, he is the Chair of the Music Committee for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Annual Meeting and Conference Committee and a member of the Executive Committee for the Fellowship of Northeast Congregational Christian Churches.
Liturgical Scholar and Field Specialist
Daniel has taken vows as a brother of the Order of St. Luke, which seeks to bring about a recovery of worship and sacramental practice in the Christian church. He is also the Convener of the Queering Liturgy Seminar for the North American Academy of Liturgy, of which he is also a DEI Committee member.
LGBTQIA+
Daniel is committed to the LGBTQIA+ community as President of the Gay Coaches Alliance and past executive board member of Tringle Community Center (Norwalk, CT: Secretary and Treasurer), OutCT (New London, CT: Secretary), and the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (Vice President).
Civic Engagement
His civic and community service includes membership on the City of Middletown, CT's Affirmative Action Monitoring Committee and Board Treasurer of the American Chamber Orchestra. He is also active with the Poor People's Campaign, the Repairers of the Breach Prophetic Council, Middletown Area Clergy, and Middlesex Indivisible.
Side-Hustles
As an entrepreneur, Daniel coaches clients, raises funds for nonprofit and educational institutions, and officiates bespoke wedding ceremonies.
Spiritual Fulfillment
In addition to being a pastor and brother of the Order of St. Luke, Daniel offers Spiritual Directon. When not engaged in ministry, Daniel enjoys playing the double bass for the American Chamber Orchestra, singing professionally with two choirs (Concora and Voce), hosting Wednesday Evening Classics on WWUH (an alternative Public Radio station in Connecticut), reading poetry and nonfiction, trying out new recipes, saying hi to any dog who will look his way, and trying to count his many houseplants and books.
Some of Daniel's accomplishments include the following:
- 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 2007's 30 Under 30 in Chicago by Windy City Times.
- Performing with a chorus in Carnegie Hall on two separate occasions.
- Founder of a church in New Haven, CT that still thrives.
- Pastor of a 252-year-old church in Middletown, CT that is growing and vital.
- Writing and later teaching the LGBT Studies curriculum for the University of Wisconsin system.
- Widely published in periodicals, journals, books, and an encyclopedia.