The Canon Circle is the Executive Staff of the Sunshine Cathedral. Collectively, the Canon Circle leads the congregation. Each member of the Canon Circle is a professionally trained and well-accomplished individual who is committed to the health and vitality of the Sunshine Cathedral. Here are your Canons:
Durrell Watkins, MA , MDiv
Senior Pastor: The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 as the Canon Precentor. On November 3, 2007, he became the Cathedral’s new Canon Pastor (aka “Senior Pastor”). Durrell is also the editor for Spirit & Truth Magazine. Before coming to Sunshine Cathedral he had been the AIDS Chaplain at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, the Assistant Pastor of Agape MCC in Fort Worth, the Director for Pastoral Care & Education Services for Tarrant County AIDS Interfaith Network in Fort Worth, and the Pastor of MCC-Christ the Liberator in New Jersey. Durrell is also a playwright whose works have been performed in five states and Canada. He is the author of A Treatment a Day: A Book of and About Prayer (Café Press, 2005). Durrell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Henderson State University, a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from Goddard College, a Master of Divinity degree (Theology & the Arts concentration) from Union Theological Seminary, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate (Congregational Studies) at the Episcopal Divinity School.
Ed Johnson, BA, AAS
Executive Director: Mr. Ed Johnson, a former Baptist, was graduated in 1980 from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He then went on to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Management Information Systems from Central Texas College. After teaching public school music for one year, Ed entered the corporate world where he worked for 25 years. In 2005 he joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff as the Executive Director.
Todd Wiley, BA
Director of Music: Todd Wiley is an accomplished performer and conductor, having performed at the United Nations and with the New York Philharmonic and the Vienna Boys Choir. He has worked with Andrew Lloyd Weber, leading rehearsals for cast members, and his credits include multiple European tours. In addition to holding a BA from the University of Missouri, Todd also studied at Julliard, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Missouri’s Conservatory of Music. He is the winner of the prestigious Rachmaninoff award. Todd joined the Cathedral staff in 1998 and also became the Director of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus in 2002.
Marian Cavagnaro, MS, MRS
Outreach Minister: A former Roman Catholic, the Reverend Deacon Marian Cavagnaro has served the Sunshine Cathedral as a member of the Board of Directors, a deacon, and is now our Outreach Minister. Her mission work includes international trips to Tanzania and Ethiopia as well as more local work with South Florida Assisted Living residences. Marian is the Director of Laboratory Services at Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines, FL) and has been an adjunct faculty member of both Barry University and St. Thomas University. Reverend Deacon Cavagnaro holds a BS in Medical Technology from Barry University, a MS in Management Health Care from Florida International University, a Master of Religious Studies degree from Light University, and is a Diplomate in Laboratory Management.
Robert Griffin, MDiv
Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action: As Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action, the Reverend Canon Robert Griffin serves as the Academic Dean of Light University (the Cathedral’s adult Religious Education program). Robert is also a special assistant to the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches and a program specialist for the MCC Office of Clergy Development. After spending a decade in the U.S. Navy as a Religious Program Specialist (Chaplain’s Assistant), Robert founded a Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown, MD, and served as its pastor for eight years. During much of that time he was also a Conference Coordinator for MCC’s Mid-Atlantic District. Robert was a licentiate minister in the Baptist tradition before being ordained in Metropolitan Community Churches. Robert joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 and he holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, where he is a member of the Alumni Executive Committee. Rev. Griffin is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Florida Center for Theological Studies.
Other Sunshine Cathedral Staff Members include…
Michael Diaz, MDiv
Volunteer Coordinator / Miami Outreach Coordinator: Michael Anthony Diaz holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School.
Kurt Litzenberger, BS
Facilities Manager: Before being our facilities manager, Kurt Litzenberger was a college admissions counselor, the manager of a farm supply store, the manager of a wholesale nursery, and the facilities manager for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and has also enjoyed a performance career as a soloist for St. Paul’s Church in Rochester, NY, a soloist and section leader for the Chancel and Concert choirs at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, the cantor for the midweek service at Sunshine Cathedral, and a member of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus.
Sunshine Cathedral Affiliates
Mark Adler, MPH
Executive Director of Sunshine Social Services, Inc.: Mr. Mark Adler leads the Social Service agency affiliated with Sunshine Cathedral. As the Executive Director, Mark oversees a fully staffed agency that provides Adult Day care during the week, support groups, and professional counseling.
Jeff Tuckey
Executive Director of The Sunshine Community Foundation: Mr. Jeff Tuckey leads organization that is affectionately known as “The Foundation” and more formally known as The Sunshine Community Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to raise capital for building projects and endowments for Sunshine Cathedral. They are the “bricks and mortar” arm of Sunshine Cathedral. Formerly a fundraiser for College Fraternal organizations, Jeff now leads The Foundation in helping it to fulfill its mission.
Grant Lynn Ford, DHL
Dean: The Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford was the pastor of Sunshine Cathedral for over two decades. On November 3, 2007, he became the Cathedral’s first-ever Dean. As Dean, Grant is available to churches who would like him to be a guest speaker or consultant. Grant was first ordained in the Assemblies of God and later consecrated as a bishop in the Old Catholic tradition. He is a graduate of Bible Standard College in Eugene, OR (now known as Eugene Bible College). He holds an honorary doctorate degree from Light University.
Don Eastman
MinX Center: The Reverend Elder Don Eastman is the co-founder of the Ministry Excellence (MinX) Center. Don is also the former pastor of MCC-Dallas — which, under his leadership — became the largest MCC. MCC-Dallas later changed its name to Cathedral of Hope and remained the largest MCC until it later changed its affiliation to the United Church of Christ. While pastoring in Dallas, Don was elected to MCC’s Board of Elders, and in 2007 he retired as the Vice-Moderator of the denomination. Don is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, and he is the author of the brochure, Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness.
John J. McNeill, PhD
Theologian: Sunshine Cathedral is blessed to have noted author John McNeill as a member and resident theologian. “Father John” spent 6 months as a Prisoner of War in Germany during World War II and after the war joined the Society of Jesus (the “Jesuits”) in 1948. In 1974 he cofounded the New York chapter of Dignity, an affirming organization for LBGT Catholics. As a moral theologian and lecturer John has taught at such prestigious institutions as Fordham University and Union Theological Seminary. He is also a retired therapist. Father John holds a PhD from Louvain University in Belgium and he is the author of the following four books: The Church & the Homosexual; Taking a Chance on God; Freedom, Glorious Freedom; and Both Feet Firmly Planted in Midair.
Volunteers
In addition to salaried staff, the Sunshine Cathedral is blessed to have an abundance of volunteer ministers who serve faithfully in their various areas. From the webmaster to the choir members to the ushers to the church photographer to the deacons to the A/V team to the members of boards and committees and so many others, there are just too many wonderful people who generously donate their time and skill to mention everyone by name. We are grateful for the dedication of all who freely give time, talent, and treasure to Sunshine Cathedral — where every member is a minister and every ministry is a team.