News

Jul 28, 2025

Turf, truth, and the Spirit: A radical rewilding of faith at closing worship at Synod

The closing worship service of General Synod 35 was a vibrant celebration of spirit, art, and community.

Jul 16, 2025

Cleveland Rocks! General Synod 36 will return to ‘The Land’ in 2028

This homecoming will mark the fifth time Cleveland has hosted a General Synod and the first of the new triennial system, with previous gatherings in 2015, 1987, 1960, and 1957, the first Synod after the UCC was formed.

Jul 16, 2025

Resolutions on restoring full funding to USAID and VOA pass at last plenary of Synod

General Synod Delegates were engaging in faithful and urgent deliberation around the two resolutions.

Jul 16, 2025

Synod seeks U.S. pressure to end violence against religious minorities in India

With dangerous religious nationalism in the news in North America and Europe, a U.S. church is calling out that same problem in India.

Jul 15, 2025

General Synod Passes Declaration for an End to Genocide in Palestine

Following heartfelt discussion and careful consideration, General Synod took a clear stand in naming the ongoing genocide of Palestinians “a humanitarian crisis that calls for immediate action.”

As the “Declaration for an End to Genocide in Palestine” was brought to the delegate body, the Rev. Emma Loane, chair of the resolution’s committee #11 and delegate from the Indiana Kentucky Conference, named an awareness of “bearing the weight of a topic of immense global urgency marked by devastating human cost and long, painful histories behind every word.”

Jul 15, 2025

Resolution Opposing Immigration Policies Passes

Delegates to General Synod 35 overwhelmingly approved an emergency resolution that opposes Trump administration immigration policies, supports immigrants and refugees, and calls for antiracism work.

Jul 15, 2025

Progressive faith on the airwaves: Missouri Mid-South Conference launches radio station

Exciting things unfolded in the exhibit hall at General Synod 35. At a booth in partnership with the UCC Media Justice Ministry, the Missouri Mid-South Conference(MMSC) proudly announced the launch of KPVF-FM, a progressive faith radio station based in the St. Louis area and streaming nationwide. This milestone represents over a year of dedicated planning, collaboration, and visionary leadership aimed at amplifying justice-centered, inclusive voices in faith-based media.

Jul 15, 2025

UCC starts looking toward its 70th birthday

The United Church of Christ’s 70^th birthday will be a little different.

The denomination has always marked its round-numbered milestones in odd-numbered years, and always at a General Synod. The memorable 50th, for example, was celebrated in Hartford, Connecticut, in 2007, with Synod speakers like Barack Obama, Bill Moyers and Marian Wright Edelman.

Jul 15, 2025

20-voice Synod choir will ‘put some spice on it’ at closing worship

The 20 singers and their conductor took stage in the Kansas City Convention Center, with 30 quick minutes to rehearse and get out of the way. They had never met in person.

“Put some spice on it,” director Bryan Johnson urged the altos. And they did. “You sound great,” he said. “I’m going to take that back to Chicago with me.”

Jul 15, 2025

Raising Alarm About a Consolidation of Power, Delegates Reject Bylaw Change

With speakers raising the alarm about a consolidation of power, voters at the 35^th General Synod rejected a proposed revision to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws which would have changed the Associate General Minister positions from being elected by Synod to being appointed by the General Minister and President.

Jul 15, 2025

Small Town and Rural Coalition resolution adopted by General Synod

Following a ‘very open and free flowing discussion,’ the General Synod adopted a resolution recognizing the Small Town and Rural (STAR) Coalition of the United Church of Christ as a Self-Created Group on Monday, July 14.

The resolution, which passed 372 for to 244 against, with 55 delegates abstaining, was sponsored by several UCC Conferences, arrived on the Synod floor with the lightest of modifications on its face: a pair of technical edits to the group’s designation in compliance with the Bylaws. But it became clear that reservations were on the minds of more than a few delegates.

Jul 15, 2025

Advocates hold emotional ‘No ICE Raids’ prayer service and rally during General Synod 35

The UCC National Collaborative on Immigration gathered on the steps of the Kansas City Conference Center on July 14 to call on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to stop the raids, family separation, and disappearances of community members that have been escalating under the Trump administration. Over 200 people joined in the emotional protest where they rallied, chanted and prayed to speak out against these raids. Protestors held signs that said, “Love knows no borders” and “Her love melts ICE.”

Jul 15, 2025

Rewriting the ‘we need more children’ narrative: Focus on building and nurturing relationships with kids, say Love of Children execs

The Rev. Trayce Potter, the United Church of Christ’s youth and young adult engagement minister and director for Love of Children and the Rev. Tyler Ung, minister of children and youth and assistant director for Love of Children came to the GS LIVE studios at General Synod 35 on July 14 to talk about the exciting possibilities for churches to minister to children and youth.

Jul 15, 2025

10-year-old scores at Plenary SpeakOut!

Issues of passion, concern, celebration, and calls to action generally populate the signup list for the “SpeakOut!” segments of each Plenary session at the 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ.

Jul 15, 2025

‘The world needs OWL’: Synod affirms ongoing work of Our Whole Lives and comprehensive sexuality education

As Our Whole Lives (OWL) celebrates 25 years, General Synod overwhelmingly affirmed the program’s ministry of providing faith-based comprehensive sexuality education in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Jul 15, 2025

A Declaration of Support for Philippine Human Rights Overwhelmingly Passes at GS35

With a resounding vote of 628 in favor (3 against, 4 abstentions) the Declaration of Support for Philippine Human Rights, a Resolution of Witness, sailed through the plenary of General Synod 35 on July 14.

Committee chair Rev. Terry Parrish introduced it to the Synod crowd saying “It is imperative that we continue to speak to human rights violations still occurring in the Philippines under the auspices of a war on drugs. It is time for us to speak for our neighbor because there may be a day when we need someone to speak for us.”

Jul 15, 2025

Healing continues as Synod declares ‘full communion’ with Puerto Rican partner

U.S. and Puerto Rican church partners who parted ways nearly 20 years ago took a big step back toward each other on July 14.

Meeting in Kansas City, the 35^th General Synod of the United Church of Christ declared the church to be in ‘full communion’ with its longtime Caribbean partner, Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico. The UCC Board had brought the proposal to the Synod with encouragement from leaders of the Puerto Rican church, after years of conversation.

Jul 14, 2025

Shari Prestemon elected to serve full term as Associate General Minister, Co-Executive of Global Ministries

The Rev. Shari Prestemon was elected the Associate General Minister, Co-Executive of Global Ministries by delegates to General Synod 35 on Monday, July 14 after serving in that capacity as the acting AGM for 18 months.

Jul 14, 2025

‘Awesome’ Vote Positions UCC to Strengthen Ties with German Partner

The United Church of Christ took a step July 14 to deepen its relationship with a very old friend.

The UCC’s General Synod, meeting in Kansas City, voted to be in “full communion” with its longtime partner, the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland, or the Protestant Church in Germany.

Jul 14, 2025

Resolution of the Continually-Evolving Language of Mental Health Passes

Conversations around mental health will get — if not necessarily easier — a lot more just and compassionate for those struggling with and/or in a mental health crisis.

On July 14, General Synod delegates overwhelmingly approved the Resolution of the Continually-Evolving Language of Mental Health. The resolution, proposed by the Mental Health Network of the United Church of Christ, cited the growing need for congregations to be aware of the ever-evolving language and the harm historically done by words.

Jul 14, 2025

General Synod Reaffirms Commitment to Justice: Voting in favor of Resolution 8

At the 35th General Synod, delegates responded in favor voting to approve (627 in favor, 8 against, and 1 abstaining) the emergency resolution from the Southwest Conference, calling to reaffirm UCC’s commitment to immigrant, migrant, and refugee rights. The resolution comes amid rising anti-immigrant policies, including expanded detentions and the rollback of protections.

Jul 14, 2025

Synod Approves Formation of New Keystone Conference

With no debate, the 35^th General Synod overwhelmingly approved the request by the Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast Conferences to come together to form the new Keystone Conference.

Jul 14, 2025

General Synod Elects At Large Members to United Church of Christ Board

The General Synod elected 12 at large members to the United Church of Christ Board at its Plenary session on Monday, July 14.

The UCC Board comprises up to 52 members, of whom 36 are elected by General Synod. Under the current UCC Bylaws, members serve over the course of three General Synods, or six years. With the change to a triennial Synod, this would result in nine-year terms for UCC Board members.

Jul 14, 2025

General Synod 36 Moderator, Asst. Moderator elected

General Synod 35 delegates elected a Moderator and Assistant Moderator for the next General Synod in 2028.

Jean Avison of Beaverton, Ore., the current Assistant Moderator, was elected as Moderator by the body. The Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell of Amherst, Mass. was elected Assistant Moderator.

Jul 14, 2025

Photos: Youth @ Synod- Communion Service Ends with Inspiring Dialogue with UCC GMP, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson

Sunday morning at General Synod 35 brought another unforgettable worship experience for the Youth@Synod, centered around Communion and Baptism.

The service began with another original performance by KinShift Music, setting the tone for a vibrant and reflective time of worship. Youth participated in the call to worship and then gathered to receive Communion together.

Jul 14, 2025

Beyond Lament, Big, Joyful Service calls UCC Worshipers to go ‘Deeper’

The United Church of Christ always has this megachurch moment at the midpoint of its General Synod.

It’s an experience most UCC people don’t get every Sunday. A thousand worshipers gather in a convention hall. Multiple video cameras and screens share the ambient beauty of a lavish stage. Singers harmonize from a row of mics, backed by a crackerjack band – guitar, drums and keyboards.

Jul 14, 2025

Mission partners to the U.S., ‘How can we pray for you?’ Global Ministries execs join GS LIVE to discuss a shifting global conversation

On July 13, the Rev. Shari Prestemon and Dr. Peter Makari took time out of their busy General Synod schedules to drop by the GS LIVE studios at the Kansas City convention center, where the 35th General Synod is in full swing, to share how they are going deeper into the prophetic and missionary waters of global ministries.

Jul 14, 2025

Photos: Synod workshops create intimate spaces to build knowledge, connection, joy

In one Synod workshop, people in a wide circle sang together, “We believe what we need most are the hearts of each other right here.”

These words, taught by leaders from Music that Makes Community, exemplify the kinds of deep connection, spirituality, and resource-sharing enabled when people gather.

And that’s what General Synod workshops are all about.

Jul 13, 2025

Keynoter: Bible is a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny

The Rev. Jennifer Butler did not mince words during her keynote address to the 35^th General Synod of the United Church of Christ, saying “these are terrifying times.”

Jul 13, 2025

Synod luncheon honors ‘trailblazing leadership’ of BBZ

Stories and gratitude poured out from many gathered at the luncheon for Zikmund – who is widely known throughout the denomination as BBZ. Several reflected on the impacts of either having studied or taught BBZ’s writings in seminary and polity classes.

Jul 13, 2025

“Meet the Candidate” AGM Hearing Offers Further Insight with Q&A

Following a well-received speech during the Friday, July 11 plenary at the 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ, nominee for Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries, Rev. Shari Prestemon took her platform to a “meet and greet” Q&A session on Saturday, July 12.

Jul 13, 2025

‘Home for me now’: UCC celebrates its new and renewing churches, CASA Grant Awardees

Until this year, Alaska had four United Church of Christ congregations. Now it has five. And the fifth one just attracted 350 young people.

Jul 13, 2025

Making covenantal living sexy — again? Central Atlantic exec unpacks the power of relational ministry on GS LIVE

GS LIVE welcomed the Rev. Craig Peterson, Central Atlantic Conference’s associate conference minister for congregational development, to its studio in the Kansas City convention center on July 12.

Jul 12, 2025

Living Beyond the Numbers: A Call to the UCC’s Embodied Future

Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO offered a reflection on the state of the church that moves beyond metrics into something far more spiritual and urgent: a reckoning with who we say we are, and what we’re truly called to be.

Jul 12, 2025

Casting nets and building faith: Children/youth kick off Synod with welcome party

The Youth@General Synod programing launched in lively fashion, or more accurately, in perfect harmony, as opening worship was energized by the musical talents of KinShift Music, led by Rev. Monty Jackson of Kindred UCC in Maplewood, Missouri.

Jul 12, 2025

Watching or reading? We’d love to know!

Nearly 2,000 members and friends of the United Church of Christ are gathered in Kansas City. You are invited to share photos, video clips, and any reflections on your individual or group experience with the UCC News Team.

Jul 12, 2025

General Synod recognizes honored guests, Mission Co-Workers

The 35th General Synod welcomed some familiar faces Friday evening as honored guests.

Jul 12, 2025

Delegates line up to speak out

Ten delegates lined up at 9:01 a.m. on Saturday morning for this General Synod 35’s first SpeakOut! session. As expected, their topics covered a wide spectrum.

Jul 12, 2025

Newly named Movement for Palestinian Solidarity seeks to turn ‘All eyes on Palestine’ at Synod

On the first day of General Synod, a group gathered outside the Kansas City Convention Center for a candlelight vigil. Participants held signs with artful depictions of eyes while singing and praying together. “All eyes on Palestine,” the signs read, and “We cannot look away.”

Jul 12, 2025

Nominee says society needs church to counter ‘alarming’ trends

Receiving the applause was the Rev. Shari Prestemon, nominated for Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries. She had challenged Synod delegates not to tire in an “alarming” time in the U.S. and the world – and to offer the world pastoral care as well as prophetic courage.

Jul 12, 2025

Reckoning, Revival, and the Risk of Connection: A Reflection on Justice and Worship

In today’s opening worship service, the congregation was grounded in the rhythms of justice and communal confession, gathered to do more than sing and pray—to reconcile.

Jul 12, 2025

General Synod talk show welcomes first guest: Ceniceros shares the big God picture and how she keeps cool in the Kansas City heat

The UCC news team embraced the spiritual discipline of pivoting when live streaming of GS LIVE, a new talk show produced by UCC News, met with logistical and technical glitches on the opening day of the 35th General Synod.

Jul 12, 2025

General Synod 35 opens to visitors as well as delegates

A steady stream of attendees visited the registration tables at General Synod 35 on opening day. Many of them walked away with a white badge signaling they were visitors—non-voting attendees—to the assembly.

Jul 09, 2025

UCC News launches daily, live talk show at General Synod

The United Church of Christ news team is launching a live, daily talk show at the 35th General Synod. This year’s Synod runs from July 11-15 and is being held in Kansas City, Missouri.

The talk show — GS LIVE — will stream via the UCC YouTube page daily from 11:30 – Noon CST, starting Friday, July 11. Co-hosts are Charles Jefferson, news director for UCC News, and Donna Frischknecht Jackson, UCC’s communication specialist.

Jul 09, 2025

Digital fellowship at Synod: Exclusive interview with @GeneralSynic

When a mass of UCCers converge on Kansas City for General Synod later this week, they will also make waves in social media and digital spaces.

UCC Social Media Specialist Brooke Canada envisions social media as a connective space where fellowship can extend for both those at Synod and those interested in what’s happening from a distance. The National Setting’s Marketing and Communications team plans to keep people connected with regular highlights, videos, and coverage posted on UCC Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and in daily e-deliveries of UCC News. Livestreamed segments will additionally stream on Facebook and Bluesky, Canada said.

Jul 01, 2025

What does it mean to be in full communion with another denomination?

The United Church of Christ has long had a commitment to reconciliation among the many branches of the Body of Christ that includes its relationships of full communion. In line with tradition in years past, the 35th General Synod of the UCC, July 11-15 in Kansas City, Missouri, which is the church’s national gathering, will invite heads of full communion to join in witness, and continue to live into our vision that “all may be One.”

Jul 01, 2025

General Synod 35 plenaries to be livestreamed; Sunday worship invites surrounding communities

As many plan to gather for General Synod in Kansas City in just a few weeks, the United Church of Christ National Setting has prepared special options for people to tune into parts of Synod’s work and worship from near and far.

Jun 24, 2025

Emergency resolutions for Synod consideration address immigration, humanitarian funding, genocide in Palestine

Five new resolutions will come before delegates at the upcoming General Synod 35 in Kansas City. They are now available for review.

These Resolutions of Witness each address current political and humanitarian concerns and were submitted by the May 31 deadline for late-arriving resolutions that could not have been anticipated by the original deadline.

Jun 17, 2025

Call for General Synod 35 worship and choir volunteers

Want to be a part of General Synod in a more meaningful way? There is an opportunity to do that in Kansas City. Registered attendees of General Synod 35 may join the General Synod choir, or volunteer to participate in movement and drama teams to help enliven the worship experience. Those interested should contact Cheryl Lindsay, minister for Worship and Theology at lindsayc@ucc.org to sign-up. There will be zoom rehearsals prior to General Synod as well as onsite during the gathering.

Jun 17, 2025

As the time for General Synod in Kansas City nears, the city celebrates 50 years of Pride

Kansas City is one of many cities around the country that celebrated its 50th anniversary of Pride festivities this month. And Colonial Church in Prairie Village UCC took part in the three-day festival offering glitter tattoos, messages of love and inclusion, and a bright banner encouraging people to “Do justice and love all.”