Paul G. Chandler
| Paul G. Chandler | |
|---|---|
 Paul_G._Chandler_-_June_2024.jpg Chandler at Galerie Mémoires Africaines in Senegal, June 2024 | |
| Born | 1964 Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Wheaton College (BA), Chichester Theological College, Alliance Française |
| 💼 Occupation | Author, Anglican clergyman, art curator, interfaith peacebuilder |
| Known for | Founder of CARAVAN, former Bishop of Wyoming (Episcopal Church) |
| 🌐 Website | www.paulgchandler.com |
Paul G. Chandler (born 1964) is an American author, Anglican clergyman, art curator, and interfaith peacebuilder. He is best known as the founder of CARAVAN, an international nonprofit that promotes peace through the arts, and for serving as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming from 2021 to 2024. His work focuses on fostering dialogue between cultures and religions, particularly between the Christian and Muslim worlds, through creative and spiritual initiatives.
Early life and education
Paul G. Chandler was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1964 and spent much of his early life in Dakar, Senegal, where his father served as a pastor. Growing up in West Africa gave Chandler firsthand experience of living among diverse cultural and religious traditions. This exposure to Christian, Muslim, and African spiritual practices laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to interfaith understanding and cultural bridge-building.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Wheaton College in Illinois in 1986. He later studied at Chichester Theological College in England, training for ordained ministry in the Anglican tradition, and also attended the Alliance Française in Paris, reflecting his interest in language, culture, and international relations.
Career
Religious and Ecclesiastical Leadership
From 2003 to 2013, he served as the rector of St. John’s Church in Cairo, Egypt, one of the largest English-speaking congregations in the Middle East and North Africa. He also founded and led the East-West Center for Peace and Understanding, focusing on religious reconciliation and cultural diplomacy.
He later served as the chairman of the Anglican Centre in Doha, Qatar, continuing his commitment to interfaith engagement in predominantly Muslim contexts.
In 2021, Chandler was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, serving until 2024. During his episcopacy, he focused on inclusivity, social justice, and expanding the Church’s engagement with the arts and intercultural dialogue.
CARAVAN Arts
In 2009, while living in Cairo, Chandler founded CARAVAN, an international non-profit organization that uses the arts to build bridges between cultures and faiths. The organization has become a global leader in arts-based peacebuilding and is known for organizing high-profile international art exhibitions that bring together artists from different faith backgrounds.
CARAVAN exhibitions have been showcased in prestigious venues, including:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
- Washington National Cathedral, USA
- The American University in Cairo
- United Nations Headquarters, New York
These exhibitions often feature contemporary Middle Eastern and Western artists, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and dismantling stereotypes.
Literary work
Paul G. Chandler is a published author whose writings focus on spirituality, interfaith dialogue, and cultural engagement. His major publications include In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran (2017), which explores the life and spiritual legacy of Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet, artist, and philosopher best known for The Prophet. In this book, Chandler draws parallels between Gibran’s life and modern spiritual journeys, offering insights into Gibran’s ongoing relevance to interfaith conversations. Another significant work is Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths (2007), which focuses on Mazhar Mallouhi, a Syrian Arab Muslim follower of Christ. Through Mallouhi’s story, Chandler examines new ways of living out faith across religious boundaries and contributes to broader Christian-Muslim understanding.
Philosophy and influence
Chandler’s life work is guided by a belief that art and spirituality are universal languages capable of bridging the world’s most entrenched divides. His work combines theological depth, cultural awareness, and creative expression, appealing to a wide range of audiences—from faith leaders and artists to diplomats and grassroots activists.
As a curator, Chandler views his role as a form of spiritual calling, creating spaces that invite dialogue, promote empathy, and challenge misconceptions. His leadership across continents has made him a respected figure in religious reconciliation, peacebuilding, and international cultural exchange.
Awards and recognition
In 2020, Chandler was honored with the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation, presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to interfaith peace efforts through both religious leadership and the arts.
References
- ↑ "Paul G. Chandler - BIO". Paul G. Chandler. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ↑ "Paul-Gordon Chandler". www.principalpost.com. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ↑ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Gordon-Chandler/author/B004HS1MO4?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
- ↑ "Interview with Paul G. Chandler: Transforming the World Through Art". Bridging Africa and The World Through Contemporary Art. 2024-07-05. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ↑ "Paul Gordon Chandler". Vocal. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ↑ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/paul-g-chandler-illuminate-kahlil-184500186.html
- ↑ "Paul-Gordon Chandler | Producer". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ↑ "Bridging Worlds Through Art: Paul-Gordon Chandler Returned "Home" to Senegal Through "Symbols of Life: Beyond Perception" - Grit Daily News". 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
External links
- Official website
- Paul G. Chandler on LinkedIn
