Speakers From 2022 Conference
Johann Hari
New York Times best selling author of Chasing the Scream |
Johann Hari is the author of three New York Times best-selling books and executive producer of an Oscar-nominated movie and an eight-part TV series starring Samuel L. Jackson. His books have been translated into 38 languages. His TED talks have been viewed more than 80 million times.
Johann was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in London. He studied Social and Political Science at King’s College, Cambridge, and graduated with a Double First. He was twice named ‘National Newspaper Journalist of the Year’ by Amnesty International. He has also been named ‘Cultural Commentator of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Commentator of the Year’ at the Comment Awards. He lives half the year in London, and spends the other half of the year traveling to research his books. |
Why We Need to End the Traumatic War on Drugs
What if everything you think you know about addiction is wrong? One of Johann Hari’s earliest memories is of trying to wake up one of his relatives and not be able to. As he grew older, he realized he had addiction in his family. Confused, unable to know what to do, he set out on a three-year, 30,000-mile journey to discover what really causes addiction – and what really solves it.
What if everything you think you know about addiction is wrong? One of Johann Hari’s earliest memories is of trying to wake up one of his relatives and not be able to. As he grew older, he realized he had addiction in his family. Confused, unable to know what to do, he set out on a three-year, 30,000-mile journey to discover what really causes addiction – and what really solves it.
Rev. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer is the President and CEO of the Judah Lion Group and Strategies International. Dr. Sizer is also a published researcher and is the author of Kingdom Leadership: Leading God's Way to Fulfill Purpose.
Dr. Sizer is the first Executive Director of Northeast Delta Human Services Authority and is using his vast clinical, research, and administrative skills to help improve the lives and social systems of those living in one of the most challenged and impoverished areas of the United States of America, the Louisiana Delta. Dr. Sizer earned a Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. He completed his clinical residency at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer College and is a Political and Leadership Fellow. |
Rev. Dr. Monteic A. Sizer
Executive Director of Northeast Delta Human Services Authority |
Spiritual Determinants of Trauma and Opioid Addiction: A Case for Health Equity and Reconciliation
Dr. Sizer will examine the biblical origin of trauma and its relationship to opioid addiction in America. Further, this keynote presentation will explore how social and environmental factors contribute to societal inequalities and increased opioid use and misuse. Lastly, the keynote speaker will make the case for health equity and racial reconciliation in America.
Dr. Sizer will examine the biblical origin of trauma and its relationship to opioid addiction in America. Further, this keynote presentation will explore how social and environmental factors contribute to societal inequalities and increased opioid use and misuse. Lastly, the keynote speaker will make the case for health equity and racial reconciliation in America.
Rev. Dr. Que English
Executive Director, Partnership Center, U.S. Human & Health Services |
Rev. Dr. Que English is the newly appointed director of U.S. Human and Health Services Partnership Center. She is from the State of New York where she served as the Deputy Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Development Services and was instrumental in forming the faith-based office in the Office of the Mayor of New York City.
She is the Founder and past President of Not On My Watch, an organization formed to combat human trafficking and domestic violence through education, training and community and policy advocacy. Named 1 of 25 Most Influential Women in the Bronx, Dr. English brings to HHS a wealth of knowledge in working with the criminal justice system, substance abuse issues, health and mental health, human trafficking, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, civil rights and more. She received her masters and doctorate degrees from New York Theological Seminary where she was the recipient of the Excellence in Ministry Award, the highest award given to a graduating doctoral student. |
Leading While Bleeding: The Hidden Trauma
The Duke Clergy Health Initiative launched one of the most comprehensive studies on clergy health of its kind. One of their key findings: Clergy's practice of putting others first can be detrimental to their own health, including their mental wellbeing. In March 2022, 42% of Christian pastors considered resigning — up from the 29% who did the same in January 2021. Two of the biggest reasons clergy cited were immense stress and feelings of isolation and loneliness. Faith leaders are facing pressure from all sides as needs increase in the community. At the same time, responsibilities and expectations for faith leaders are ever expanding, sometimes with fewer and fewer resources. While it is important and necessary for clergy to care for those hurting in their community, it is just as important for faith leaders to take care of themselves as they take care of others. This talk will focus on how clergy can identify warning signs of burnout and compassion fatigue and take steps to practice self-care as we work to empower faith leaders to take care of themselves as they take care of others.
The Duke Clergy Health Initiative launched one of the most comprehensive studies on clergy health of its kind. One of their key findings: Clergy's practice of putting others first can be detrimental to their own health, including their mental wellbeing. In March 2022, 42% of Christian pastors considered resigning — up from the 29% who did the same in January 2021. Two of the biggest reasons clergy cited were immense stress and feelings of isolation and loneliness. Faith leaders are facing pressure from all sides as needs increase in the community. At the same time, responsibilities and expectations for faith leaders are ever expanding, sometimes with fewer and fewer resources. While it is important and necessary for clergy to care for those hurting in their community, it is just as important for faith leaders to take care of themselves as they take care of others. This talk will focus on how clergy can identify warning signs of burnout and compassion fatigue and take steps to practice self-care as we work to empower faith leaders to take care of themselves as they take care of others.
Timothy McMahan King
Senior Fellow, Clergy for a New Drug Policy |

Timothy McMahan King is a writer, nonprofit professional, and the owner of Vagabond Strategies. He has worked as a community organizer in Chicago, a chief strategy officer with Sojourners, and as a consultant for the Center for Action and Contemplation. Kings work has been published in Christianity Today, Sojourners, the Wall Street Journal and CNN. A graduate of North Park University with degrees in theology and philosophy, King lives with his wife, Hannah, and daughter Ruth in New Hampshire.
"Faith in the Face of Trauma and Crisis"
Faith persists despite all the obstacles. The same is true for addiction. Amid an ongoing and unprecedented trauma crisis of overdose and addiction, Timothy McMahan King will call us all to keep the faith.
Faith persists despite all the obstacles. The same is true for addiction. Amid an ongoing and unprecedented trauma crisis of overdose and addiction, Timothy McMahan King will call us all to keep the faith.
"The misuse of opioids, both legally prescribed and illicitly obtained, has become a public health epidemic nationally and in Minnesota. The United States uses 80% of the world’s painkillers, despite having less than 5% of the world's population."
--US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Special Guest Storyteller |
Guest Preacher |
Harriet Rossetto
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Founder of Beit TShuvah in Los Angeles |
Rev. Dr. Charles King
Co-founder & CEO of Housing Works, Inc. |
2022 Conference Leaders

Rev Dr Ed Treat
Conference Organizer
Ed has been in long-term recovery from addiction for 36 years. He received his master of divinity and a doctorate in ministry from Luther Seminary. From 1995-2020, he was a parish pastor, serving congregations in rural Nebraska and around the Twin Cities.
Treat joined the newly-formed Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy (FRLC) in 1990. In 2001, Treat became the director of the FRLC and remains such today. In 2020, he founded The Center of Addiction & Faith, as a 501©3 nonprofit. He sits on the boards of the FRLC, the RMEC, the Center of Addiction & Faith, Minnesota Mental Health Connect, and serves on the PAC of Minnesota Recovery Connection.
He is author of The Pastor, a psychological novel about a small-town pastor who confronts a mystery surrounding the death of a member of his congregation. When he is not practicing social distance during a pandemic, he loves to plan group trips and travel. He and his wife Karen, also a Lutheran minister, have four grown children and one granddaughter.
Conference Organizer
Ed has been in long-term recovery from addiction for 36 years. He received his master of divinity and a doctorate in ministry from Luther Seminary. From 1995-2020, he was a parish pastor, serving congregations in rural Nebraska and around the Twin Cities.
Treat joined the newly-formed Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy (FRLC) in 1990. In 2001, Treat became the director of the FRLC and remains such today. In 2020, he founded The Center of Addiction & Faith, as a 501©3 nonprofit. He sits on the boards of the FRLC, the RMEC, the Center of Addiction & Faith, Minnesota Mental Health Connect, and serves on the PAC of Minnesota Recovery Connection.
He is author of The Pastor, a psychological novel about a small-town pastor who confronts a mystery surrounding the death of a member of his congregation. When he is not practicing social distance during a pandemic, he loves to plan group trips and travel. He and his wife Karen, also a Lutheran minister, have four grown children and one granddaughter.

Rev. Karen Knudson Treat
Conference Chaplain
MDiv, RN, Spiritual Director. Karen is active with the FRLC and a grateful member of Al-Anon. She serves at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Pastoral Care Ministries and to McKenna Crossing. Karen is also a spiritual director at Loyola Spirituality Center. She loves to spend time on her bike and being with her family.
Conference Chaplain
MDiv, RN, Spiritual Director. Karen is active with the FRLC and a grateful member of Al-Anon. She serves at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Pastoral Care Ministries and to McKenna Crossing. Karen is also a spiritual director at Loyola Spirituality Center. She loves to spend time on her bike and being with her family.