Shelvis is an emerging scholar and practical theologian whose passion for social justice and reconciliation drives his work in the United States and African continent. While pursuing two graduate degrees at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, he worked extensively to address racial, gender, and socio-economic inequity through the Presbyterian Church USA, National Black Presbyterian Caucus and National Council of Churches (USA).  An ordained minister and acclaimed preacher, Shelvis speaks widely about the significant role of the church in reconciling communities in places of conflict. Before joining RECONCILE, Shelvis coordinated theological peace initiatives through the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA). With FECCLAHA, he worked in partnership with the National Council of Churches of nine countries as they engage in the region’s political, gender, ethnic, religious and land conflicts.  Shelvis and his wife Nancy are serving with RECONCILE through both the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Reformed Church in American and joined RECONCILE in December 2011.