Senior Minister & Child of God

Reverend Thorne is the Senior Minister of the historic Riverside Church in the City of New York and the first Black woman to hold the position. Prior to leading Riverside, Adriene served The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn where she co-founded the award-winning Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge, and spent eight years at Middle Collegiate Church in a variety of ministerial roles, including as Executive Minister.

Adriene received her Master of Divinity degree from The Pacific School of Religion where she earned the Koinonia Award, the school’s highest honor, given to those who strengthened the seminary through outstanding contributions of spirit, insight, and intellect. She completed post-graduate studies in pastoral care and counseling at The Blanton-Peale Institute and is a certified life coach and disaster chaplain.

Adriene is a healer, Presbyterian minister, and classically trained dancer who uses movement to heal bodies in the church and community. A dancing theologian for over twenty years, she brings unparalleled creativity and movement to her work of anti-racist practice and culture building.