Report to the Church from the Board: March 2026

What a view for the March 12-14, 2026, United Church of Christ Board meeting to be held in the National Offices, 1300 E. 9^th Street, in Cleveland, Ohio. This meeting was held on the new 12th floor, a place where the space felt like home.  The Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ Corporation, Justice and Witness Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ), and Wider Church Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ) each represented in each meeting of the UCCB and in a meeting of each of these corporations.  

This spring meeting represents shared time and is designed to strengthen relationships between the UCC Board and the Council of Conference Ministers. This gathering created space for mutual reflection and shared hopes for the United Church of Christ in this season. The Opening Devotion and Framing was hosted by the new Board Life Committee utilizing scripture and opening prayer grounded in covenant and shared call. The morning focused on relationship-building and shared discernment relative to service in the United Church of Christ. Stories of call and commitment to serve the church were shared, followed by discussions regarding Programmatic Priorities that serve as a guide for the UCCB presently. Thursday morning’s joint meeting concluded with communion and lunch, as this annual UCCB and CCM gathering was successful in forged relationships and a common bond for the good of the United Church of Christ.

The UCCB completed training for working together with training of Anti-Racism Training provided by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and Anti-Harassment Training provided by Praesidium Academy. This training assists in making our time together comfortable and enjoyable, being essential for respectful interactions.

The UCCB was updated on the activities and accomplishments of the GMP/CEO, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, and all were excited to note the United Church of Christ has been represented with excellence both nationally and internationally since our last gathering. The National staff presented fiscally responsible actions and money management decisions executed at the close of 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026. Brian Tracy, chief financial officer, and Heather Kimmel, general counsel, presented information related to the efficiency and effectiveness of corporate spending and decisions. The Finance and Budget Committee’s report also provided support, research, and clarifications of financials, and the intensity of discussion indicated this well-informed board was prepared for the task set before the Board.

A highlight for the meeting was information presented by the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry, founded in 1959 by Everett C. Parker, a UCC minister. This ministry is still needed today as an advocate for fairness in broadcast and other media outlets. The work of this organization operates to limit media market mergers that would limit a variety of voices and also monitor public expressions of untruths and hurtful bias.

In addition to committee reports and recommendations, updates and accomplishments were offered for The Pension Board by David Klassen, for CCM by representative Rev. Kim Wood, for Love of Neighbor by Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon, and for Church Building and Loan Fund by Rev. Patrick Duggan, who provided good news and pride in the actions made on behalf the United Church of Christ.

The upcoming Special General Synod and introductions of Rev. Jennifer Sowell, candidate for the vacant position of Associate General Minister of Love of Church, in this off-year were discussed. Efforts will be taken to ensure adequate presentation of Sowell to the church, and voting delegates take great responsibility, effort, and technical considerations, as much of this will be completed remotely. 

This meeting of the UCCB provided not only information, but also inspiration, as these servants of God seek to undergird the United Church of Christ in creating a just world for all.

With the warmest of love,

Rev. Jasmine C. Quinerly
Chair, UCC Board

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