Diane Lopez Hughes

Nominee’s Statement in Favor of Their Candidacy: The world is indeed a village, and as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ I believe that we are called to share our abilities. As a servant leader, it is crucial to understand the issues, pray for guidance and inspiration, ask the hard questions, and do the challenging work. In my life, I have followed through with my passions and commitments with this in mind. My vision is in using my spiritual gifts to increase healthy communication, inclusivity, and intersectionality in our work - whether within my parish home, community, country, or world - with others I may help to benefit all of God's creation.

From 2005 - 2011 I was twice elected to serve on the Pax Christi USA National Council (the Catholic Peace and Justice organization, member of Pax Christi International); was a member of the Illinois Sierra Club executive committee; and served on the board of the Amargosa Conservancy from 2015-17. Before leaving Illinois, I was the IL NAACP Statewide Environmental and Climate Justice Chair and a member of the IL EPA Environmental Justice Committee.

As the convener of Simpler Living, St Paul's Creation Care ministry and a member of our Peace and Justice ministry, and a very humble member of the Cathedral players (a reader's theater), I am an active participant in church life. When the Diocesan Creation Care Task Force was formed, I became a volunteer co-leader of that group.

It is my honor to be considered for the challenge of learning and growing with others in the Diocese, as well as being in a position to know more about the Diocese and her church communities.