Citing a need to improve internal working effectiveness, the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns has released the Rev. Ruth Garwood from the non-contract position of Executive Director. Garwood has served in the position for the past 3 1/2 years.

In a press release dated July 1, 2009, the Coalition's Board of Directors notified constituents of their June 24 action:

With sadness we announce that after an extensive and thorough discernment process, the Coalition Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, took action to end their relationship with the Executive Director, Rev. Ruth Garwood. We would affirm that everyone involved in the process brings love and passion to the work of the Coalition, we know we will need a time of healing and we will to continue to work on our vision and mission.
 
The Board will assume the duties of the Executive Director as we work through the next phases of our transition. We would hope that each member of the Coalition would keep Ruth, [her partner] Adrienne and all the members of the Board in your prayers at this difficult time. The board did not arrive at this decision easily, but with much struggle and prayer. We take no pleasure in this action, but feel it is the best decision for the future growth and success of the Coalition. We hold Ruth Garwood in high regard and honor all her hard work in moving the Coalition to this point.
 
Kathy Church, Moderator

"After a discernment process, the board found the relationship between the executive director and the board was not the right relationship for the Coalition at this time," said Church in an interview with UCNews, adding that the decision was made during the Coalition's "Growing Bold" meeting preceding General Synod 27 in Grand Rapids, Mich. "We are keeping Ruth and her family in our prayers. It's been a really difficult time, and it will continue to be that way for a period of time."

Church would not discuss many details. "There were a number of people involved. It was a thorough process, and the process of notifying Ruth was extensive as well." Garwood declined comment.

"In a way, it was fortuitous that it happened when a lot of us were still together in Grand Rapids," said former Coalition moderator Phil Porter, Minister of Art and Communication at First Congregational Church of Berkeley (Calif.). "Being together was reassuring. Yes, we are hurting – but yes, things will work out."

As Executive of Health and Wholeness Advocacy and Minister for LGBT Concerns of Wider Church Ministries, Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer has worked closely with Garwood. "Ruth has been a valued colleague," he said. "We will hold her in our thoughts and prayers as she moves forward in her ministry in this church and beyond."