About Ellen Clark Clemot

Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark Clemot, is Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, a 700 member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) located in Chatham, New Jersey. An avid writer and public speaker, Rev. Clemot is the author of “Discerning Welcome,” a book to help congregations decide why and how to welcome the refugee, legally and ethically, into their neighborhoods, especially the undocumented refugee already resident there. In addition, she has published several articles on topics of faith formation and personal transformation in Christian Century and Faith and Leadership magazines. A preacher, Christian ethicist, practical theologian, and former attorney, Rev. Clemot offers practical advice for the discerning Christian to promote peaceful communities and facilitate Christian welcome.

Dr. Clemot earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke University and Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.  Prior to entering the ministry, she practiced law with Cravath Swaine & Moore and later at Clifford Chance in offices located in New York, London, and Paris.  She is a graduate of New York University School of Law (JD) and Brown University (AB), where she majored in Religious Studies and Creative Writing.   She preaches, teaches, and writes on topics of faith, ethics, and living a Christian life in a secular world from the perspective of the Reformed church, ever reforming.

After living in Europe for several years and starting her family there, Ellen now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband André.  They both enjoy visits from their adult daughters, walks in the neighboring bird sanctuary, and get-togethers with the many members of their church family.  Aspects of her ministry include developing an inclusive church home for all seekers, welcoming refugees and long time foreign residents to a place at the table and a voice in society, and helping newcomers  who feel like strangers experience a sense of welcome to their new neighborhoods.