C.A. Parker has spent a lifetime working at the intersection of spirituality and social justice, both as the Executive Director of several non-profit organizations, as well as a pastor. His doctoral work is in early Anglican spirituality, specifically on the work of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626). Much of his writing and teaching has been in the area of Stewardship (church language for the raising of money) and he has spent many years exploring the commonalities between Christian and Buddhist contemplative traditions.

His debut novel, Flute on a Misty Sea, is a sweeping historical epic about the legendary shakuhachi master and samurai monk Kurosawa Kinko. After being expelled in disgrace from his temple in Nagasaki, he embarks on a journey across feudal Japan to reclaim his honor, discovering the complexity of the human spirit in a tale of adventure, love, and redemption.

Related to the novel, Dr. Parker has studied the Japanese flute -- the shakuhachi -- for over 20 years, as well as the Japanese martial art of Aikido for 25 years (in which he holds a second-degree black belt). He has spent time in Japan studying both disciplines, which he has also taught and which are part of his own eclectic spiritual practice. An avid reader and chess player, he lives in Washington, DC, with his insightful wife, their two amazing and creative children, and two rescued pets (a grumpy old dog named Chewbacca and a neurotic cat named Luna).

Website: drcaparker.com

Twitter: @RevCParker