A Global Perspective at the 35th General Synod

Global Ministries was honored to welcome our partners from the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) to the 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. This gathering provided an opportunity for international dialogue, shared learning, and strengthened partnerships in the work of the church around the world.

For our guests, it was their first Synod experience, and it offered a firsthand view of the UCC as a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community. Their reflections highlight the energy, inclusivity, and commitment to justice that characterize the UCC, as well as the longstanding relationship between our two church bodies. We are grateful for their presence, their observations, and the insights they bring to our shared mission.

Below, Ute Hedrich shares her personal reflections on this remarkable experience.

We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the 35th General Synod of the UCC, which was a first and very impressive experience for both of us coming from the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD). Many thanks for the kind invitation and for all the help and care we received.

We felt that the church at the Synod was lively, active, and diverse. It was not only focused on bylaws, minutes, and motions, but also actively demonstrated what church life is like in the respective regions, conferences, and congregations. The moments of sharing at the beginning of the sessions revealed the diversity and richness of the UCC.

While meetings in Germany are predominantly attended by people dressed in grey, blue, white, and black, the Synod was full of color and individuality. It was fascinating for us to see and hear so many different voices and perspectives on what the church can be, is, and ought to be.

Furthermore, people from all traditions and backgrounds, and from different nations, were present. In contrast to so-called white nationalism, the church, its ministers, and laypeople are inclusive, affirming, and inviting—an example for us in Germany.

We were also touched by how openly we were received: hardly any restrictions for guests, but invitations to join commissions, to share our voices, and to talk to everyone during breaks and at the various side events. People came to join us at the international guest table, and we were invited to lunch meetings. While Frank was still on his way, Ute had the honor of joining the dinner table with the General Minister and President, Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, and meeting interesting UCC leaders there.

The general impression we had beforehand was more than reaffirmed: the UCC is a welcoming and open church.

This impression was further reinforced when the resolution on full communion between the United Church of Christ and the Protestant Church in Germany was discussed in the commission. Firstly, I was deeply impressed by Peter Makari’s historical research and overview of the German roots and connections and the later formalized partnership within the family of united and uniting churches. Secondly, many people mentioned how much they had enjoyed gathering and meeting each other in the USA, Germany, and other parts of the world. Thirdly, there was overwhelming support for expanding it to other conferences within the UCC, to other Landeskirchen, and to the entire EKD. The chair conveyed this atmosphere mindfully to the General Synod. We were impressed by the substantial majority of 642 votes in favor, with only a few abstentions and one denial—a great sign of our long-standing relationship and a wonderful prospect for the future!

Lastly, we must also mention that it was an impressively political and open Synod. Traveling from Germany, we had heard many stories about people being rejected at borders, and one could get the impression that many are afraid to speak out. However, we discovered that people are not afraid to speak openly.

Resolutions of the General Synod addressed the negative effects of the current administration in the White House, and decisions were taken against the cuts to organizations such as the Voice of America, UNAIDS, and many other international development organizations. Critically, American foreign policies regarding the Philippines, Israel, and Palestine were also reviewed. People were loud, clear, and straightforward, fearlessly fighting for the lives of all.

We left with many impressions and encouragement, ideas to implement, and the great task of making decisions regarding Kirchengemeinschaft. Most of all, we are deeply thankful for the openness, the wonderful discussions, the great care we observed everywhere, the mindful organization of the program and accommodation for us, and for all the conversations and chats, the friendships built or re-established, and new connections made. We left with the impression that the church is alive, loud, active, and diverse—hopefully everywhere!

— Ute Hedrich / August 2025