Erin Raffety, Associate Research Scholar

Erin (she/her) is a practical theologian who uses ethnographic research methods to study congregations. In addition to serving as the associate research scholar for the Institute for Youth Ministry, she also serves as the empirical research consultant for the Imagining Church Project at Princeton Theological Seminary. At the Center of Theological Inquiry, Erin is the research fellow in machine intelligence and pastoral care, where she studies how artificial intelligence and video game technology can support spiritual connection for people with disabilities and congregations. Her most recent book, From Inclusion to Justice: Disability, Ministry, and Congregational Leadership, explores the importance of nurturing and receiving the ministry of people with disabilities in the church. Erin is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), holds a PhD in cultural anthropology from Princeton University, and is a proud parent of a daughter with multiple disabilities.