We are excited to introduce you to John Murphy and Mariah Perrigo Cody, two passionate individuals who bring unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to our work. Both are pursuing degrees at Duke Divinity School and have already begun making an impact in their internships, blending their theological education with a commitment to community engagement.
Meet John
John hails from Highlands, North Carolina, a small town that he considers home after his family moved there when he was six. Growing up, the church played a significant role in shaping his faith. Initially baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal tradition, John later found his place in the United Methodist Church, where he became actively involved in mission work and youth ministry. Through that work, John discovered his calling to ministry, a path that has led him to Duke Divinity School.
John holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication with minors in Non-Profit Management and Religious Studies from Appalachian State University. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Duke, with certificates in Methodist Studies and Preaching. John’s theological journey is deeply rooted in a commitment to service, particularly to those who are most vulnerable. A pivotal experience for him was volunteering at Haywood Street Congregation, where he worked closely with those experiencing homelessness. This experience solidified his passion for serving the least of these, which is reflected in his favorite scripture, Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.”
At RAFI, John is excited about engaging in new work, particularly through the Come to the Table team, which focuses on food insecurity and the intersections of faith and food systems. He hopes to learn more about the theological implications of food systems and how the church can address issues of hunger and sustainability. At his placement, John envisions incorporating “a theology of Grace, both to [himself] and to those whom [he] will get to engage with so that the space can be one of true connection and understanding.”
Outside of work, John enjoys NASCAR, good food, and spending time with his partner and their 100-pound dog, Lt. Dan.
Meet Mariah
Mariah’s journey to Duke Divinity School began in Sacramento, California, though she has lived in several states since then. Prior to coming to Duke, Mariah worked in Christian camping and leadership development in Wisconsin, where she discovered a deep love for faith formation and mentoring. During that time, she became inspired to further her education and pursue a degree in Divinity, aiming to create spaces where people can encounter God.
Mariah’s academic background is as diverse as her journey. She holds a degree in Political Science, with a focus on Women and Development and Environmental Science. Her interdisciplinary studies reflect her broad interest in social justice and how faith intersects with broader global issues.
One of Mariah’s favorite scripture passages is from Exodus 34:6, where God reveals God’s nature to Moses, saying: “The Lord, the Lord, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” “I love this passage because it confronts the image of a God that is always angry or disappointed”, Mariah explains, “I love the passage also because it is a reminder that those who love God, are also compassionate and merciful people.”
At RAFI, Mariah is excited to be part of a team that deeply cares for the well-being of others. She is especially drawn to the supportive and compassionate culture at RAFI, where staff members value the lives and responsibilities of their coworkers that extend beyond the workplace. Mariah hopes that this internship will help her develop as a compassionate advocate, learning how to elevate voices and better listen to those who are often marginalized.
Mariah has a passion for creative expression, and when she’s not working, you can find her sewing, writing poetry, and exploring various art mediums for fun.
Hopes for the Internship and Future Goals
Both John and Mariah have big dreams for their careers in ministry, and they see their time at RAFI as an opportunity to bridge the gap between their theological studies and practical ministry.
John hopes to one day serve as an Elder in the United Methodist Church, with a particular focus on rural ministry. He believes his work at RAFI will give him a deeper understanding of how faith-based organizations can intersect with food systems and community development, which he can bring into his future ministry.
Mariah aspires to be an ordained pastor, with a special interest in integrating her love for faith formation and leadership development into her work within the church. She is excited to continue learning from the team, hoping to develop the skills to advocate for justice and compassion in her future ministry.
We are thrilled to have John and Mariah as part of the RAFI family. Their dedication to service, theological reflection, and community engagement is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how their work here will shape their futures in ministry and beyond.