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Two new ministers have joined the National Setting of the United Church of Christ (UCC) to lead work in congregational engagement and women and gender justice.
Schmian Evans began her role as minister for women and gender justice in August. Evans brings more than ten years of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, public education, and intersectional justice. She aims to center the voices of women, trans, and gender-expansive people in her work. Evans' responsibilities fall under Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries, part of Education for Faithful Action Ministries, supporting the UCC’s long-standing focus on gender justice, which has been affirmed by General Synods since the 1960s, including a 2023 resolution affirming the dignity of transgender and nonbinary people.
Evans credits her theology and leadership to her time under Bishop Yvette Flunder, senior pastor of City of Refuge UCC in Oakland, California. “City of Refuge is not just my church, but my family. It’s the community that healed me, poured into me, and shaped my theology and sense of leadership,” she said.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from California State University, Stanislaus; a Master’s in Women and Gender Studies from San Francisco State University; and a Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion, where she also earned a Certificate in Sexuality and Religion. She is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Union Theological Seminary.
Evans expressed her commitment to her new position, stating, “I believe we are in the biggest fight of our generation. When I think about our ancestors, I think how I’m living things I’ve only read about in books. I’m thinking of ‘What am I made of?’ I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be than in a position like this to advocate for communities of people. This is what it’s about right now.”
She led her first UCC webinar on understanding gender on October 7. Evans has invited people to share their experiences and needs around women and gender justice at two upcoming listening sessions on October 22 and 29. “I want to hear from community because being in community is the place I start with,” Evans said. “In community, we can do our best to address some of the resources people are wanting around gender justice, educational pieces, and what information is helpful, so people feel like they have the tools to make sure their community has what they need — and also to fight. I don’t want to be over here talking when the world is burning. Everything that I produce, I want it to be tied to what’s happening right now for us, and to stem from what community is telling us from their minds and heart.”
Rev. Elder Carmarion D. Anderson started as minister for congregational leadership in September. Anderson has been involved with UCC National staff as a guest preacher at several events, including the World Pride Empowerment Service in June. Anderson was the first transgender person of color to serve as Alabama state director for the Human Rights Campaign. Her background is in public health and education, and she has worked to address health disparities and promote equity, shaping policy at various levels, including with the White House.
On the Faith Education, Innovation and Formation (Faith INFO) Team, Anderson will mentor and support CASA New and ReNewing Church grantees and take on new responsibilities such as helping local churches and Conference staff implement the Manual on Local Church. The Rev. Tracy Howe, Faith INFO team lead, stated, “As the minister for congregational leadership, Anderson will work to ensure that every local congregation is well equipped to assess where they are, address the challenges and opportunities facing congregations in the 21st Century, and grow in faithful and vital ministry with/in their unique geography and cultural context(s).”
Anderson said, “I’m excited about this role because at this time of our political climate, our denomination offers a focus on inclusion, and I think that having bodies that represent the lived experience of inclusion from the National Ministries can help the denomination live out and lean into what our mission is for everyone.”
She was ordained through The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and is a Privilege of Call candidate with the UCC Southeast Conference. Anderson, originally from Dallas, Texas, has family roots in Natchez, Mississippi, and is a mother and grandmother.
Howe described Anderson’s contribution: “Carmarion’s extensive experience in church and public leadership will be an invaluable gift to the UCC. She brings a strong spiritual foundation and expertise in everything from church planting to grants to nurturing inclusive community. I could go on about her work which has already been recognized nationally during her previous work in public health and advocacy, church leadership, TFAM, trans visibility, and more, but as a part of FaithINFO, we all are blessed by her warmth, vision and the energy she brings daily to this work.”
Anderson was recently inducted into the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers & Laity as a member of the MLK Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College, which recognizes leaders who embody Dr. King’s vision.
“To be included in this legacy is more than an honor – it is a sacred responsibility,” Anderson said. “As a transgender woman of faith and ordained minister, my life’s journey is deeply intertwined with my ministry. I stand at the intersection of faith and marginalization, called to be a visible witness to God’s inclusive love. My many experiences and perseverance have shaped me into a vessel of grace, driven to create spaces where all people – especially those who have been harmed or excluded by the church – can find healing and belonging.”
In her new role, Anderson has already participated in events such as the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS Interfaith Preconference and presented at a conference on reimagining the church.
“What an honor it is to be trusted in such a role that is so front-facing that allows my Blackness, my trans identity, but more importantly my call to be utilized as gifts of supporting those attached to our denomination,” Anderson said.
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