General Synod of the United Church of Christ
The UCC is comprised of 33 conferences. Every three years, conference delegates convene at General Synod.
Learn more about the United Church of ChristSpecial Meeting
Special Meeting of General Synod 35 – May 9, 2026
On May 9, 2026, the United Church of Christ General Synod 35 was called for a Special Meeting with the election of the Associate General Minister (AGM), Love of Church, as the only item of business. The nominee Rev. Jennifer Sowell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience, was elected with 87 percent of the vote, exceeding the 60 percent needed for election.
Sowell’s election is a historic one, marking the first time in the denomination’s nearly 70-year history that leadership of the church is all women.
About General Synod
General Synod brings together faithful members of the United Church of Christ for inspirational worship, fellowship with friends (old and new), and public witness including through engagement with the business of the church. General Synod gatherings happen every three years during the summer. In between summer Synod gatherings, the General Synod may still be called upon to engage with business of the church.
General Synod 35 began in July of 2025, welcoming thousands from across the country in Kansas City, Missouri, and continues its role until July 2028 when General Synod 36 begins. General Synod 35 is called again for a Special Meeting in May of 2026.
“Into the Deep” is the theme of General Synod 35, based on Luke 5:4, which says, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch’.” This theme guided our gathering in 2025, and will continue to guide the General Synod as our work continues.
