Karen Georgia Thompson nominated as next AGM Global Engagement

Exciting news from the United Church of Christ Executive Board!

In its March meeting in Cleveland, the Executive Board affirmed the nomination of the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson for the position of Associate General Minister of Global Engagement and Co-Executive of Global Ministries, the common overseas ministry of the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). With her nomination confirmed unanimously, General Synod delegates will vote to elect Thompson in Milwaukee this summer.

Please read this letter from John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, regarding this nomination:

I am pleased to share that the AGM Search Committee has named the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson as their nominee for the position of Associate General Minister assigned to lead the Global Engagement Ministry. Karen Georgia’s nomination was affirmed this afternoon by the United Church of Christ Board and will be presented to the General Synod delegates for vote this June in Milwaukee.

Karen Georgia has extensive experience in nonprofit management having served in leadership in nonprofit organizations and in academia. She earned a BA from Brooklyn College in New York, a Masters in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, and a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York.   She earned her Doctorate in Ministry at Seattle University.  Karen Georgia is an inspiring preacher and teacher, sharing her skills and gifts in a variety of settings nationally and internationally.

Karen Georgia has served faithfully as the Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations since 2011.  As the Ecumenical Officer, she is responsible for nurturing and coordinating the ecumenical work of the UCC through involvement in the UCC’s relationships, partnerships, councils of churches, theological dialogues and ecumenical initiatives.  She represents the UCC in all ecumenical settings and advises the General Minister and President as well as other UCC leadership on ecumenical policy.  Her ministry is informed by her passion for racial justice and the elimination of racism. She is a strong proponent of human rights and provides leadership for the joint United Church of Canada and United Church of Christ committee working on the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.

Prior to accepting the role as Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Karen Georgia was the Minister for Racial Justice with Justice and Witness Ministries of the UCC.  Before joining the national staff, she served in the Florida Conference United Church of Christ as a Pastor and on the Conference staff.

Please join me in congratulating Karen Georgia as the nominee for the position of Associate General Minister.

Shalom, John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President, United Church of Christ