wfn.org | Geoffrey Black nominated to lead United Church of Christ

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Geoffrey Black nominated to lead United Church of Christ

> Written by Martin Bailey
> June 27, 2009

"We face a daunting task," the nominee for general minister and
president of the United Church of Christ told delegates to the 27th
General Synod, alluding to economic difficulties and declining
membership in many parts of the denomination. "There is a daunting
task ahead?ahead of us?ahead of me?and ahead of you."

In an acceptance speech on June 26, the Rev. Geoffrey Black invited
all members of the church, in every setting?in local churches, in
covenanted ministries, in theological seminaries, and as ecumenical
partners?to work together. "In the UCC," he said, "ministry is not a
social act. We are in this together."

He quoted scripture: "We do not lose heart. We are all of us in this
ministry together." And he insisted that "we are adequately and
incredibly gifted to serve the world."

The nominee also spoke of the denomination's commitment to the
struggle for justice and peace as "part of our identity." It is
possible, he said, "for us to be an inclusive church and still be a
church of faith. This is why our voice is needed: so that all people
will know that they are God's people."

Black's name was placed in nomination by the chair of the search
committee, Henry T. Simmons, pastor at St. Albans (N.Y.)
Congregational UCC, and Black was received with a standing ovation and
ringing applause. His statement was interrupted several times by
applause and he was greeted at the conclusion with a second ovation.

Black, whose name is pronounced "Joff-rey," has been minister of the
New York Conference for nearly a decade. Prior to that he was pastor
of local congregations for fifteen years, a university chaplain, and
was on the staff of the UCC Office for Church Life and leadership. He
is a graduate of Lincoln University and Yale Divinity School.

If elected on June 29, Black will succeed the Rev. John H. Thomas who
has served as general minister and president since 1999 and is not
eligible for reelection.