March 2026 | From Cleveland: A Report from the UCC Board of Directors Meeting
Mark Dutell, a member of the Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church in Denver, Courtney Dobbins a member of UCC Longmont Colorado, and Jen Smith, a member of Holladay UCC near Salt Lake City were once again honored to represent the Rocky Mountain Conference at the spring meeting of the United Church of Christ Board of Directors in Cleveland.
Setting the Tone: Anti-Racism Training
The board meeting opened with intention on inclusion. On the first day, directors participated in a half-day anti-racism training session — modeling the values the UCC proclaims.
This training Session was provided as part of an ongoing antiracism strategic objective established by the Board in 2023 and prompted a healthy discussion by the Board in this meeting on the effectiveness of this training in meeting those 2023 objectives. That discussion will be helpful in directing future offerings. Learning objectives for the training provided were:
1. Gain awareness about peoples’ identities and/or experiences
2. Learn skill or strategies that you can implement to foster inclusive behaviors
3. Feel empowered to create communities where everyone belongs
A Church at a Crossroads: Words from Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
The board received an update from our General Minister and President/CEO, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, whose remarks were both grounding and forward-looking. She posed provocative questions for all of us: What does it mean to follow a God of love who demands justice and mercy? What is our commitment to living those values?
Rev. Dr. Thompson noted that the UCC’s current 10-year strategic plan draws to a close in 2026. While she does not anticipate another 10 year plan, the church will be in discernment on important questions such as examining declining membership and clergy numbers, the particular struggles facing rural congregations, and the enduring question of the church’s relevance — past, present, and future. She also acknowledged openly what many of us feel: our church is navigating real tension around justice, politics, and how engaged the church needs to be in the public square.
And yet — there is hope. Rev. Thompson reminded us that hope is found in living into the gospel message, and she invited all of us to regularly offer a prayer of peace through the UCC prayer portal.
A Ministry You May Not Know About — But Should
We were reminded of something that sets the UCC apart: we are the only major U.S. Christian denomination with an active Media Justice Ministry.
Founded in 1959 by UCC minister Everett C. Parker, this ministry was born when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called on the UCC to take action against racist television stations in the South. More than six decades later, it continues its mission of building just and equitable media structures that give voice to diverse people, cultures, and ideas — and its impact is real. The ministry’s advocacy has helped expand broadband access in rural communities across the country.
Right now, the UCC is actively fighting the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar and Tegna — the consolidation that recently pulled Jimmy Kimmel off the air in many markets. (Note: As of March 19, the FCC approved the acquisition — the UCC’s advocacy continues.) At a moment when questions of free speech, media censorship, and corporate consolidation are front and center in our national conversation, our denomination is at the table.
Love of Neighbor — Here and Around the World
We were deeply moved by the stories shared of UCC’s Love of Neighbor ministries — stories that were, in equal measure, heartbreaking and inspiring.
When we feel helpless in the face of aggression toward immigrants and refugees, we can take heart knowing that UCC clergy are on the ground, peacefully protesting in Washington, D.C., and standing with vulnerable communities in Minnesota and beyond. When we grieve the loss of life in the Middle East, we can know that our denomination is actively working alongside partners from all faith traditions — offering comfort to those who suffer and carrying a message of Christ’s peace into places of profound pain.
And through Global Ministries — a shared ministry between the UCC and the Disciples of Christ — that work for global justice and peace continues every single day.
This is the work of our broader church. In the halls of justice, in the streets, and across the globe, the United Church of Christ is showing up — advocating for peace, standing for love, and striving every day to do God’s work. We are grateful to represent you there, and we carry your voices with us.
In faith and solidarity,
Jen, Mark, and Courtney
