A Benedictine Sister of Erie, Joan Chittister is a best-selling author and well-known international lecturer on topics of justice, peace, human rights, women's issues, and contemporary spirituality in the Church and in society. She presently serves as the co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, a partner organization of the United Nations, facilitating a worldwide network of women peace builders, especially in the Middle East. Sister Joan's most recent books include The Way We Were (Orbis) and Called to Question (Sheed & Ward), a First Place CPA 2005 award winner. She is founder and executive director of Benetvision, a resource for contemporary spirituality.

Other Current positions held by Joan Chittister are:

• Executive Director, Benetvision: Research and Resource Center for Contemporary Spirituality
• International Committee for the Peace Council, 1995-present
• Member, Niwano Peace Foundation, Tokyo, Japan, 2003-2006; Vice-Chair 2004-2006
• Co-Chair The Tikkun Community, 2005-present
• Board of Directors, Emmaus Ministries, Inc.
• Chair, Benedictine Sisters Inner-City Fund, Erie, PA 1994-present