Co-existing and thriving in a diverse ‘tent’: Denominational leaders gather in Cleveland to discern future possibilities

Leaders from across the United Church of Christ gathered at the National Ministries headquarters in Cleveland on Sept. 23 and 24 for a time of fellowship and intentional conversation — all with the goal of outlining a path forward for the denomination.  

“A Tent of Our Own Making,” an initiative created by the UCC’s General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, seeks to bring multiple voices together to discern ways to meet today’s political and social challenges.

The Rev. Phillip Peacock, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and Monica Schaap Pierce, Executive Director of Christian Churches Together, offered the keynote on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Participants ranging from conference ministers, local church pastors, affiliated and associated ministry leaders, and ecumenical partners took part in multiple group discussions and strategic planning centering around race, community, identity, and the overall state of the church.

The “tent” concept centers around the fact that the UCC, which is known for its progressive stances on key social and political issues, is a denomination made of many different viewpoints, including those with more conservative traditions and ideals.  

This initiative began shortly after Thompson took the office of General Minister and President in 2023 and is a continuation of gatherings that officially commenced in the spring of 2024.  

“We’re busy trying to figure out what to do with diversity, but it’s already here,” said Thompson at the close of the meeting. “We’re arguing on a single axis around singular issues, diverse points, and ways in which we think different, but it already is.”  

The group is planning to meet again in April 2027, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the UCC on June 25. Below are some photos of the gathering.  

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