The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. ThompsonGeneral Minister and President/Chief Executive Officer, United Church of Christ
The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson is the General Minister and President and the Chief Executive Officer of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson is the first woman and first woman of African descent to serve as leader of the denomination. She was elected at General Synod 34 in 2023. She is a writer, poet and theologian who has contributed to numerous publications.
As General Minister and President, Rev. Thompson is the spiritual leader of the denomination, representing the UCC ecumenically and speaking on behalf of the denomination. She is the leader of the denominational offices in Cleveland, overseeing the daily operations of the national offices which includes 115 staff persons.
The Rev. Tyler Yost
Minister, Church of Peace, Rock Island, IL
I grew up in Sheboygan, WI. and was introduced to the UCC back when I was in college at Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI, where I also married my wife, Kylie. I then dragged my wife with me to Evanston, IL where I would attend Seminary at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. I am a queer, LGBTQ+ Affirming Pastor who focuses on Liberation Theology inspired by MLK Jr. and Howard Thurman. I believe that Jesus is for everyone and that we need to work together to bring the Kingdom of God into the here and now through good works, inclusive theology, and above all… the radical love of Jesus Christ. Come and visit us on Sundays at 10:30; no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.