General Synod 36 Moderator, Asst. Moderator elected

General Synod 35 delegates elected a Moderator and Assistant Moderator for the next General Synod in 2028.

Jean Avison of Beaverton, Oregon the current Assistant Moderator, was elected as Moderator by the body. The Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell of Amherst, Massachusetts was elected Assistant Moderator.

The current Moderator, the Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray, announced the results during the fourth Plenary Session of General Synod 35 on Monday, July 14. He explained that the nominating committee intends that the person in the Assistant Moderator role would succeed to the Moderator position following the next Synod.

Avison has served in many settings of the United Church of Christ. She serves her local church, Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ, as Treasurer, on the Investment Committee, and chair of the Nominating Committee. In the Central Pacific Conference Avison is co-chair of the Committee on Ministry. In the national setting she has served in many roles related to governance. Avison and her husband, David, have a large blended family and live with Gracie, whom she describes as a “very spoiled Golden Retriever.”

Cartmell has served as a local United Church of Christ pastor for over 40 years, including settings in Winchester, Needham, and Harwich Port, Mass., and Appleton, Wisc. Her current service is as pastor of South Church, Amherst, Massachusetts Cartmell’s passions are preaching and church growth. She has written two books, including one with her wife, the Rev. Peggy O’Connor.

The vote for each candidate was overwhelmingly in favor.

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