UCC General Synod 2025 Recap
Global Ministries was visible in many ways and places at General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Kansas City this summer!
Election of Shari Prestemon as Associate General Minister (UCC) and Co-Executive of Global Ministries
On July 14, delegates of General Synod 35 overwhelmingly elected The Rev. Shari Prestemon as Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries, a shared witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Prestemon had faithfully served in this role in an acting capacity for 18 months prior to her election. Read full article here.
Resolutions
The following resolutions related to Global Ministries were passed at General Synod:
- Declaration for an End to Genocide in Palestine
- A Declaration of Support for Philippine Human Rights
- A Response to Violence Against Religious Minorities in India
- Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Igesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico
- Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
International Guests
The following international guests were present and recognized at General Synod. These guests were active participants, with some contributing to workshops and resolution discussions.
- Rev. Kudzani SBM Ndebele – General Secretary, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), South Africa
- Rev. George Lungay – Executive Secretary for Administration, United Church of Christ in the Philippines
- Rev. Ute Hedrich – Head of the Middle and Far East, Australia and Pacific Desk, Protestant Church in Germany (EKD)
- Rev. Pablo Moreno – National Coordinator, Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia, Colombia
- Mayadah Tarazi – Operations, Human Resources and International Relations Manager, YWCA of Palestine, Palestine
- Rev. A. S. Thevagunananthan – Chairperson, Church of the American Ceylon Mission (CACM), Sri Lanka
- Rev. Jacklevyn Fritz Manuputty – Chairperson, Communion of Churches in Indonesia.
Mission Coworkers
Two mission co-workers attended General Synod:
- Fiona Kendall, serving with Mediterranean Hope in Italy
- Elena Huegel, serving with Intercultural Research and Studies Institute (INESIN), Mexico.
Meals and Receptions
We enjoyed two special opportunities to connect across faith traditions and cultures during General Synod. On Saturday, July 12, we gathered for the Ecumenical and Interfaith Lunch, which included recognition of special guests and time for conversation, shared stories, and building relationships. Then on Sunday, July 13, we celebrated global friendship at the International and Ecumenical Guests Reception, welcoming our Ecumenical guests and guests from around the world.
Workshops
Sunday’s workshops offered powerful global perspectives on justice and peace. In “The Church’s Call in Contexts of Conflict,” international guests shared firsthand experiences from regions facing violence and unrest, inviting participants into deeper solidarity. “Decolonizing Practices in the Midst of Palestinian Nakba” marked 77 years since al-Nakba, as Mayadah Tarazi of the YWCA of Palestine explored how decolonizing strategies nurture justice, resilience, and liberation.
Exhibit
This year’s Global Ministries exhibit was part of the Deep Love: National Ministries of the UCC exhibit space. Global Ministries featured the new resource for Global Church Partnerships. Opportunities for conversation with Global Ministries staff, mission coworkers, and global partners were a highlight.