Our Founder

Founder and Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Dr. Justin Palomo founded Ekklesia Iwiga in 1994 with a vision to build a sanctuary where everyone, regardless of circumstance or background, can find spiritual support, compassionate care, and purpose. Grounded in historic progressive Christian traditions of soul-friendship and merciful outreach, Rev. Justin established the organization’s foundational commitment to radical welcome and non-judgmental accompaniment.

Following his diagnosis with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), In 2017, Justin medically retired from active pastoral leadership. Today, he continues to serve as Pastor Emeritus in a strictly uncompensated, volunteer capacity as his physical health permits. Living with a rare neuromuscular disorder has only deepened his passion for faith-based patient advocacy and outreach, ensuring his pastoral wisdom remains the guiding light of our virtual sanctuary.