Meet the Team, Gender & Human Sexuality Justice

Rachael Ward, they/them

Rachael serves as the Team Lead & Minister of Gender & Human Sexuality Justice focusing on holistic approaches for gender & sexuality justice, care, and resource offerings. They believe deeply in narrative care, collaborative humanity, and practices of freedom as essential ways to embody justice and love for all. Rachael holds a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology with honors and is an authorized lay minister for this role.

Amy Johnson, she/her

Rev Amy Johnson, UCC Minister for Sexuality Education & Justice, is passionate about helping faith communities provide high quality, comprehensive, inclusive, and theologically grounded sexuality education as a part of being and becoming healthier communities. She is an advocate for this life- changing, lifesaving, transformational work to be part of our churches.

Schmian Evans, any/all

Schmian Evans serves as the Minister for Women and Gender Justice in the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. A lifelong learner and justice-centered leader, she brings academic depth shaped by degrees in Gender Studies (California State University, Stanislaus), Women and Gender Studies (San Francisco State University), and a Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry at Union Theological Seminary.

Schmian’s work is grounded in more than a decade of advocacy in LGBTQ+ communities, public education, and intersectional justice. She is passionate about creating spaces where the most marginalized are seen, valued, and equipped to thrive. Her ministry centers liberation, belonging, and embodied care as pathways toward a more just and compassionate Church.