The Rev. Felix Carrion, known widely across the church for his outstanding preaching and effective organizing, has been named coordinator of the UCC's Stillspeaking Initiative. He will begin on January 3, 2008.

Carrion will follow in the position most recently held by Marilyn Dubasak, whose leadership ended at the end of August when Stillspeaking ceased to be a stand-alone ministry and was incorporated back into the UCC's Proclamation, Identity and Communication Ministry, where it was first developed.

"Felix has broad experience and connections across the UCC, as well as a demonstrated passion for The Stillspeaking Initiative and for the inclusive 'extravagant welcome' of the church," wrote the Rev. John H. Thomas, general minister and president, in an Oct. 1 e-mail to Stillspeaking churches and supporters.

Carrion, pastor of Euclid Avenue Congregational UCC in Cleveland since 2003, is a former member of the UCC's national staff. From 1994 to 2000, he provided leadership for the implementation of the UCC's multiracial, multicultural church pronouncement while working jointly with the former Office for Church in Society and the Commission for Racial Justice. Before that, he worked for the former Office for Church Life and Leadership in the Middle Atlantic region. He also has served local church pastorates in Ohio and Massachusetts.

Although Felix will not begin full-time until the beginning of the year, Thomas said Carrion will be in conversations with PIC, the Congregational Vitality Initiative, and others during the remaining months of 2007 "to ensure that Stillspeaking's outreach/impact continues and is enhanced."

David Harsh will continue as Stillspeaking's Acting Coordinator through the end of October, at which time additional staff should be in place.

"In the coming weeks," Thomas said. "Felix also will play a pivotal role in the hiring of additional Stillspeaking staff, who will be in place soon to respond to requests from churches."

Known for his dynamic speaking, Carrion was a featured preacher at the UCC's 2003 General Synod in Minneapolis.

"Felix is respected for his ability to relate equally well to people in large groups, small audiences and one-on-one conversations," Thomas said. "He comes to us with a passion for the 'invitational' dimension of the Stillspeaking Campaign. We are excited about his return to national staff, especially in this highly visible and important role."

Since 2006, Carrion has been heavily involved with the progressive clergy networks, "We Believe Ohio" and "We Believe Greater Cleveland."

A 1986 graduate of UCC-related Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, he received his B.A. from The King's College in New York.