Michael Granzen

Michael Granzen is a writer, pastor, and activist with a call to transformational teaching and ministry. He grew up in New York and was captain of his high school baseball team before going to Colgate University and studying philosophy and religion with Coleman Brown. He worked as a community organizer in Boston and Oklahoma, then went to Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has worked in multiple cities in the United States and Scotland.

He studied social ethics at Drew University and received a Ph.D. with honors in 2011. He has lectured at Harvard University, Drew University, Colgate University, Princeton University, New Brunswick and Princeton Theological Seminary. He moderated the ordination of Chris Hedges in Elizabeth with James Cone and Cornel West giving the charges. He is actively involved in interfaith work for social justice and is co-founder of NJ Clergy for Justice. He was in a front page article of the New York Times, “Blue Shadows in Elizabeth.”

Granzen lives in New Jersey with his wife, the Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Trenton. They have two daughters Mikaella and Olivia. He is an avid bicyclist, lover of baseball, good conversation, and books. His favorite quote, “The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.”

What others say:

“Michael Granzen is one of the grand prophetic pastors and voices during these decaying days of the American empire! His powerful vision and courageous witness inspire so many of us.” Cornel West

“I appreciate the depth of theological reflection about what confronts us in life.” Bill Schram

“Thank you, Michael, for the gift of your writings.” Traci C. West

“Michael’s book is a prophetic warning, a clarion call to the Christian community to return to a life of faith, to hold fast to the radical call of the gospel, to bear the cross. Only then will we find our spiritual strength, our purpose, our renewal, and our faith.” Chris Hedges

“Michael’s book comprises a scholar pastor’s theological and ethical reflections on his vocational journey in two highly racialized American cities. In solidarity with teachers and peers who share his quest for racial justice, Michael Granzen concludes this insightful treatise with five short essays by colleagues. All who are concerned about our nation’s racial divide will benefit greatly from the practical wisdom contained in this excellent book.” Peter J. Paris

“I believe your writings are important because they connect social justice with God’s unending, abounding love. Keep blessing us with your writings.” Lauren Carrington

“Michael Granzen is a man of the people, a prophetic leader with a deep history of commitment to partnering with oppressed and marginalized people in demanding justice from those in power.” Archange Antoine