National Setting welcomes new ministers for congregational engagement and women and gender justice

Two new staff have recently joined the National Setting to lead ministries within Love of Church.

Schmian Evans began as the minister for women and gender justice in August. With over a decade of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, public education, and intersectional justice, Evans is excited to bring together her experience with her deep commitment to centering the voices of women, trans, and gender-expansive people in this role.

Evan’s work within Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries, as part of Education for Faithful Action Ministries, will support the long UCC history of gender justice, as expressed by General Synods since the 1960s – most recently a 2023 resolution affirming the dignity of people who are transgender and nonbinary.

Evans describes herself as grounded in a theology of radical inclusion shaped under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Yvette Flunder, senior pastor of City of Refuge UCC in Oakland, California.

“City of Refuge is not just my church, but my family. It’s the community that healed me, poured into me, and shaped my theology and sense of leadership,” she said.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from California State University, Stanislaus; a Master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies from San Francisco State University; and a Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion, where she also earned a Certificate in Sexuality and Religion. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Union Theological Seminary.

As Evans considers the needs of the present moment, she envisions her new role as one with the opportunity to bring about impactful change.

“I believe we are in the biggest fight of our generation. When I think about our ancestors, I think how I’m living things I’ve only read about in books. I’m thinking of ‘What am I made of?’ I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be than in a position like this to advocate for communities of people. This is what it’s about right now,” she said.

She recently led her first UCC webinar on understanding gender on Oct. 7, and the recording is available here.

Upcoming listening sessions

Now, Evans is extending a broad invitation for people to share their experiences, hopes, and needs around women and gender justice within the life of the church and the broader community in one of two upcoming listening sessions on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29.

“I want to hear from community because being in community is the place I start with,” Evans said. “In community, we can do our best to address some of the resources people are wanting around gender justice, educational pieces, and what information is helpful, so people feel like they have the tools to make sure their community has what they need — and also to fight. I don’t want to be over here talking when the world is burning. Everything that I produce, I want it to be tied to what’s happening right now for us, and to stem from what community is telling us from their minds and heart.”

Rev. Elder Carmarion D. Anderson, minister for congregational leadership

Rev. Elder Carmarion D. Anderson began as minister for congregational leadership in September. Anderson is no stranger to UCC National staff, having served as a guest preacher at several partner events, including the World Pride Empowerment Service in June.

As a minister and passionate advocate for marginalized communities, Anderson made history as the first transgender person of color to serve in a leadership role as the former Alabama state director for the Human Rights Campaign. With a foundation in public health and education, she has led critical initiatives to address health disparities and promote equity within underserved populations. A steadfast champion for transgender rights, Anderson has helped shape policy at local, state, and national levels, including through engagements with the White House.

In her role on the Faith Education, Innovation and Formation (Faith INFO) Team, Anderson will maintain crucial programmatic work – such as mentoring and resourcing CASA New and ReNewing Church grantees in their ministries – and her position will carry some new responsibilities, like supporting local churches and Conference staff in implementing and using the Manual on Local Church.

“As the minister for congregational leadership, Anderson will work to ensure that every local congregation is well equipped to assess where they are, address the challenges and opportunities facing congregations in the 21st Century, and grow in faithful and vital ministry with/in their unique geography and cultural context(s),” said the Rev. Tracy Howe, Faith INFO team lead.

“I’m excited about this role because at this time of our political climate, our denomination offers a focus on inclusion, and I think that having bodies that represent the lived experience of inclusion from the National Ministries can help the denomination live out and lean into what our mission is for everyone,” Anderson said.

She was ordained through The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and is a Privilege of Call candidate with the UCC Southeast Conference. Originally from Dallas, Texas, with deep family roots in Natchez, Mississippi, Anderson is a proud mother and grandmother.

“Carmarion’s extensive experience in church and public leadership will be an invaluable gift to the UCC. She brings a strong spiritual foundation and expertise in everything from church planting to grants to nurturing inclusive community. I could go on about her work which has already been recognized nationally during her previous work in public health and advocacy, church leadership, TFAM, trans visibility, and more, but as a part of FaithINFO, we all are blessed by her warmth, vision and the energy she brings daily to this work,” Howe said.

Anderson was recently honored as an inductee into the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers & Laity as a member of the MLK Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. This Board of Preachers recognizes Christian and interfaith leaders who embody Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and radical love.

“To be included in this legacy is more than an honor – it is a sacred responsibility,” Anderson said. “As a transgender woman of faith and ordained minister, my life’s journey is deeply intertwined with my ministry. I stand at the intersection of faith and marginalization, called to be a visible witness to God’s inclusive love. My many experiences and perseverance have shaped me into a vessel of grace, driven to create spaces where all people – especially those who have been harmed or excluded by the church – can find healing and belonging.”

Anderson has already hit the ground running in her new role, having participated in the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS Interfaith Preconference and presented at a conference on prophetically reimagining the church.

“What an honor it is to be trusted in such a role that is so front-facing that allows my Blackness, my trans identity, but more importantly my call to be utilized as gifts of supporting those attached to our denomination,” Anderson said.

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