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The Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks, a multifaceted leader from Chicago, is set to deliver the opening message at this summer's General Synod 35 on July 11. Registration for the event is currently open.
Pagán-Banks holds multiple roles in her community, serving as pastor at San Lucas United Church of Christ, executive director of A Just Harvest, and teaching seminary classes. She was recently elected to the Chicago Police District Council. Despite these varied responsibilities, she views them as interconnected facets of a single vocation focused on liberating oppressed people and building economic power.
At San Lucas UCC, Pagán-Banks leads "pan y liberación" gatherings twice a month, creating space for reflection and community engagement. She emphasizes building deep relationships within the congregation to empower members to serve beyond the church walls.
Her work at A Just Harvest aligns with these efforts by providing community resources like a kitchen that welcomes all without requiring proof of need. "Some people come for food, and some people come to socialize and know they still exist in the world," she explained.
Having attended every General Synod since 1997, Pagán-Banks will preach for the first time this year. The opportunity reminds her that she has important stories to share: “This invitation to preach is reminding me that I do have something to say.”
UCC General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson praised Pagán-Banks' contributions: “Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks is a leader who has served the UCC and the community in Chicago for many years.”
Reflecting on her past Synod experiences, Pagán-Banks values both debates and discussions where "people’s hearts show up." She advocates for disrupting routine practices when necessary to care for one another.
In preparation for her sermon themed "Into the Deep," she stresses moving beyond superficial interactions: “We need to go deep or go home.” She believes that lasting movements require risk-taking and deeper engagement than ever before.
Pagán-Banks finds hope in teaching at McCormick Theological Seminary where she facilitates reflective group discussions. Her personal life also inspires her; her 12 grandchildren motivate her daily commitment to advocacy.
She underscores the importance of building genuine relationships within churches: “We embody justice and kindness and love, and go out in the world and hold folks accountable.”
