Mae Elise Cannon

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP).

Rev. Dr. Cannon is a dynamic leader at the intersection of faith and social justice, who champions a vision of peace and equity that transcends borders and beliefs. Driven by a deep commitment to God’s call for the poor and oppressed, Rev. Dr. Cannon has dedicated her life to uplifting communities through transformative advocacy and compassionate ministry.

Her journey is marked by both academic rigor and practical impact. In 2024, she was identified by Sojourners Magazine as one of their “People to Watch,” highlighting her influential work in faith-based Christian advocacy. That same year, she also won the “Friend of Armenia” award for her work related to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Christian community in Armenia.

Rev. Dr. Cannon earned her doctorate in American History from the University of California Davis—exploring the rich legacy of the American Protestant church in Israel and Palestine—and her doctorate in Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Northern Theological Seminary, where she delved into the transformative power of loving one’s enemy. These achievements, along with her MBA, MA in bioethics, and M.Div., enrich her work as an author, speaker, community leader, and director of CMEP.

Her award-winning books, including Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World, Beyond Hashtag Activism, and A Land Full of God, empower individuals to take tangible steps toward justice. Featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and other international media, Rev. Dr. Cannon continues to inspire hope, challenge injustice, and build bridges toward peace for a better tomorrow.