Our Relatives in the News

United Church News names new editor
The Rev. Gregg Brekke has been named editor of United Church News and the denomination’s news director, succeeding the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, who was appointed the UCC’s national director of communications last December.

Faith-based initiatives: Thomas reiterates need for 'responsible partnerships'
Following Barack Obama's July 1 speech calling for continued government funding for faith-based initiatives, the Rev. John H. Thomas reiterated his support for cooperative programs as long as church-state separation is protected.

Presbyterians move to allow gay clergy, but fight remains
Meeting in San Jose, Calif., the nation's largest Presbyterian denomination on June 27 cracked open the door to ordaining non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy, though the decades-old fight is far from over.

Thomas to Bush: 'Not in my name will you justify torture'
“Today I join many in saying to my President, ‘not in my name.’” said the Rev. John H. Thomas, UCC general minister and president, in a widely covered, bipartisan news conference held on June 25. “Not in my name will you justify torture and allow it to be used.”

'Think You Can Dance' finalist is UCC
A finalist on the popular TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” is a member of the UCC, who first came to know about the church because of the denomination’s welcoming TV commercials.

State ecumenical bodies taking lead in creative immigration ministries
"The church is called to minister to all our neighbors, new and old," said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, NCC General Secretary. "As the issue takes on more and more importance in our country, the urgency of that calling intensifies. The National Council of Churches and state and local councils are talking together so we know what each other is doing."

UCC's Southern California -- Nevada Conference reaffirms support for same-gender marriage
At its June 19-20 annual meeting, the UCC's Southern California – Nevada Conference adopted a statement reaffirming its commitment to equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender.

Tom Hunter, UCC's modern-day minstrel, has died
The Rev. Tom Hunter, a musician and pastor who shared his music across the UCC for decades, died on June 20 after a short battle with rare brain disease.

World's churches encouraged to pray for Zimbabwe on June 22
Churches worldwide are being invited to celebrate a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on Sunday, 22 June, as the beginning of a season of prayer for the people and government of the African country, which is facing a critical time.

UCC leaders join Cleveland community to protest death penalty
The Rev. John H. Thomas, United Church of Christ general minister and president, and the Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo, executive minister of the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, participated June 11 in a rally in downtown Cleveland to protest the death penalty.