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The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson will speak at the 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 13. Her sermon will focus on spiritual leadership rather than her administrative role as the General Minister and President.
Thompson is among three preachers invited to discuss the theme "Into the Deep," based on Luke 5:4. She shared with UCC News her preparation involves considering unity amidst differences within the church and what it means for congregations to be the Church today. "It is important for us to think about what it means to be one body," Thompson said. "Even in the midst of the political diversity among us, there are things that are important to us all."
The other preachers at the General Synod include the Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks from San Lucas United Church of Christ in Chicago, speaking at the opening service on July 11, and the Rev. Tony Coleman from First Congregational Church of Memphis, who will give the closing sermon on July 15.
Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, organized the Synod speakers and is enthusiastic about Thompson's sermon for the Sunday service. "Hearing the voice of the GMP preaching is different than hearing a state of the church address," Lindsay stated. She emphasized the importance of Thompson's spiritual message, saying, "It is important for us to hear a word from the Lord from her."
Thompson's experience within the denomination is regarded as an asset by Lindsay. Thompson joined the UCC National Offices in 2009 as the minister of racial justice and later took on the role of ecumenical officer for the national church. In 2023, she became the General Minister and President, which she describes as another step in deepening her spiritual commitment.
"In a climate where political leaders are narrowing the definition of who’s in, Karen Georgia is widening that definition," Lindsay noted. She emphasized the need for both prophetic and pastoral leadership, qualities she believes Thompson possesses.
Thompson has invited congregations to reflect on the General Synod theme "Into the Deep" by using the Stillspeaking Writer's Group Lenten devotional with the same title.
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