Dorothy McRae-McMahon is a retired Minister of the Uniting Church in Australia but she continues to preach at an inner-city Uniting Church in the parish of South Sydney. She is an internationally recognized creator and writer of religious rituals, and the first woman to be the Moderator of the World Council of Churches Worship Committee. She holds an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Macquarie University for her work with minorities and her contribution to the spiritual life of her community. In 1977, McRae-McMahon was awarded a Jubilee Medal by the Queen for her work with women; she has also received the Australian Government Peace Award (1986) and the Australian Human Rights Medal (1988). She lives in Sydney, Australia. 

Sydney Barbara Metrick has authored several books including "Crossing the Bridge, I Do, The Art of Ritual, " and "Art from Ashes." with a master's degree is in transpersonal counseling psychology and a doctorate is in expressive arts therapy. For more than 25 years, Dr. Metrick has specialized in supporting people through various life transitions by creating personalized ceremonies or using therapeutic techniques. Dr. Metrick is also a professor at the Eisner Institute for Professional Studies, teaching graduate classes in psychology and coaching.