Michael S. Piazza is an author and social justice advocate who currently serves as Dean of the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas, as well as President of Hope for Peace and Justice, a non-profit organization aimed at progressive-leaning people of various religious faiths. A native of Georgia, Piazza has served in ministry for more than three decades, pastoring churches in Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida. He holds a bachelor's degree in History from Valdosta State University in Georgia and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta.