Rev.  Susan Strouse is a native of Pottstown, PA (near Philadelphia) and is a graduate of Antioch University/Philadelphia (B.A. in Human Services) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg (Master of Divinity) She has previously served congregations in Amherst, NY, Buffalo, NY, and Novato, CA. She has been at First United since December 2004 and on the ELM roster since 2009. She was on the ELM steering committee and served as the first chair of the Congregations ellipse on the Covenant Circle. Since 2010, she has served as Dean of the San Francisco conference.

In 2005 she received a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Her area of study and interest is interfaith theology, particularly working with congregations and clergy to explore the meaning of being a Christian in our religiously diverse world. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio.

Pastor Susan resides in Berkeley and enjoys the CA weather, sitting in cafes, and hanging out with her “significant other” and resident furry friends.