Candace Bell has a Masters in Pastoral Studies through Seattle University and has taught in parishes, diaconate programs and Holy Spirit Center for the Archdiocese of Anchorage.  She had the privilege of being the Assistant to the Cardinal Newman Chair of Theology at APU for 5 years.  Though Candace still attends Mass she finds herself at odds with aspects of Catholic doctrine including their teaching surrounding LGBTQ people.  Accordingly, she worked hard toward the passage of Prop 5 and endured the “Summer of Hate.”  That experience led her to commit to actively and openly support LGBTQ rights.  Candace is currently on the board of directors of Identity and Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association where she has been both secretary and president.  In addition, Candace is on the steering committee of Christians for Equality and the Community Advisory Committee of Fair Anchorage. She has also been on the boards of The Interfaith Council of Anchorage and Holy Spirit Center.