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With no debate, the 35th General Synod approved the request by the Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast Conferences to form the new Keystone Conference. Delegates from these conferences wore matching T-shirts with the message “Together We are Stronger” as they voted. The motion passed with a 98% favorable vote.
“This moment marks the culmination of several years of faithful discernment, courageous conversation, and a shared vision for the future of our ministry in Pennsylvania. Together, we have dared to believe that God is still speaking — and calling us into something new,” stated Rev. Carrie Call, Rev. Bonnie Bates, Rev. David Ackerman, and Rev. William Worley in a joint statement.
“The creation of the Keystone Conference is more than a structural shift; it is a bold witness to our commitment to covenant, collaboration, and the continuing call of the Holy Spirit,” they added.
Keystone delegates expressed that this lack of debate felt like recognition for their three-year process. “It was quite an affirmation," said Rev. Steve Davis of the Penn Northeast Conference.
Support was shown by other conferences such as Southern New England which sent prayer cards to Keystone delegates. “Prayer is both a simple and profound way for us to be of one faith,” said Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly.
Rev. Diann Baxley from Penn Central expressed gratitude for advice received during this process and hopes it will benefit others contemplating similar moves.
“I just give such praise for the Holy Spirit that led us through this,” she remarked emotionally after the vote.
Rev. Carrie Call encouraged other Conferences: “We all need to be doing this.”
The new Keystone Conference board plans to meet on Aug 1., aiming for transitional staff by Jan 1., 2026 when it officially begins operation.
Davis explained that choosing "Keystone" as a name reflects its function as something that holds things together while acknowledging diversity within its member churches.
Mandy Muschett highlighted how diverse yet united these churches are: rural or city-based; progressive or conservative—each voice matters equally at their table.
Rev Becky Sausser noted how coming together revealed both commonalities among them alongside unique gifts each brings forth underlining why indeed they feel stronger together now more than ever before!
