What's up?
Ellen DeGeneres has been been invited to be a keynote speaker at the UCC's General Synod, July 1-5, 2011, in Tampa, Florida. On Oct. 1, 2010, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, general minister and president, sent a letter of invitation to Ms. DeGeneres on behalf of the UCC's General Synod program and planning committee.
Why Ellen?
Many visible personalities have addressed General Synod in recent years, including Barack Obama, Bill Moyers, Eugene Robinson, Marian Wright Edelman, Andrew Young and the late Lynn Redgrave. As a television icon, Ellen's constructive use of humor, her sensitivity toward others, and her ability to touch and lift the spirits of millions everyday is something we can affirm as a sacred calling.
At a time when religion is often used to divide and exclude people, Ellen's address before a major religious body could send a powerful message to the world: “Imagine What's Possible” if we could set aside our need to be right and focused instead on bringing hope and healing to one another, if we could lighten up — and love instead.
Why a campaign?
It's not uncommon for Ellen's fans to launch campaigns to bring her show to their area. Most recently, fans in Australia have been doing so.
While we're not asking Ellen to bring her show to Synod, we do think she will need some heavy convincing as to why a major Christian denomination would want her to be their keynote speaker. Ellen receives hundreds of invitations annually; we want our invitation to stand out.
What are we doing?
We are asking UCC members and churches to unleash their inner Ellen, by creating funny, inviting photos and videos — and submitting them so we can upload to YouTube & Vimeo and send them along to her. Learn more.
Our message to Ellen is succinct:
• At a time when religion is often used to divide and exclude people, Ellen's address before a major religious body could send a powerful message to the world, a message of hope, inclusivity and acceptance — and the need for more love and laughter.
• We're a church that resonates with Ellen's personality.
• We're a church with a sense of humor, even as we advocate for justice.
• We're a church that offers extravagant welcome and changes lives.
• We're a church that loves to dance!
What is General Synod?
General Synod is the UCC's central deliberative body. It meets every other year and brings together thousands of diverse delegates and visitors from across the life of our denomination. An estimated 5,000 people are expected to attend General Synod 28 in Tampa in July 2011.
The General Synod’s voting delegates – who are elected to represent 38 regional Conferences, as well as voting members of the UCC’s five national board – act on submitted resolutions, make recommendations and take collective stands on social and theological issues. While actions of the General Synod are not binding on any local church or church member, the denomination’s emphasis on covenant does mean the Synod’s decisions do carry a certain authority. They also constitute the policy basis by which the church’s national ministries engage in mission.
General Synod is also a UCC homecoming of sorts. Celebratory worship services, community service opportunities, inspiring speeches and cultural events, and interaction with international guests combine to create life-changing experiences for those in attendance.
What if she doesn't come?
We are hoping she will, and trusting that our church members will lovingly and creatively convince her that General Synod is a major platform where she could send a powerful message to the world. If she is unable to attend, we will have offered our best to convince her and, in the process, helped our members to speak more boldly about the UCC and its values. And we will have had fun, something Ellen would appreciate.
