Alerts Sign-up
General Synod 35 delegates have elected new leaders for the upcoming General Synod in 2028. Jean Avison, currently serving as Assistant Moderator, has been chosen as the Moderator. Rev. Dr. Susan Cartmell of Amherst, Massachusetts, will take on the role of Assistant Moderator.
The announcement was made by the current Moderator, Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray, during the fourth Plenary Session of General Synod 35 on July 14. Sinnaduray mentioned that it is customary for the Assistant Moderator to succeed to the position of Moderator at the next Synod.
Avison has extensive experience within the United Church of Christ, holding various roles such as Treasurer and chairing committees at her local church, Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ. She also serves as co-chair of the Committee on Ministry in the Central Pacific Conference and has been involved in governance at a national level.
Cartmell brings over 40 years of experience as a pastor within the United Church of Christ across different locations including Winchester, Needham, Harwich Port in Massachusetts, and Appleton in Wisconsin. Currently serving as pastor at South Church in Amherst, Massachusetts, she is passionate about preaching and church growth and has authored two books with her wife, Rev. Peggy O’Connor.
Both candidates received overwhelming support from voters.
Content on ucc.org is copyrighted by the National Setting of the United Church of Christ and may be shared according to outlined guidelines.
