The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) Spring Governing Board convened under a timely theme: “Peacemaking as Ecumenical Witness in a Divided Age.” Grounded in Scripture, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” (Matthew 5:9, NRSV), the meeting called leaders to embody understanding, justice, and unity as a shared expression of faith.
Participants were invited to reflect on the NCC’s calling to “live as a community of communions” committed to advancing God’s peace and healing in the world. In a time marked by division and fracture, the gathering emphasized that peacemaking is not passive, but rather, a courageous and disciplined act, one that requires humility and a willingness to build bridges across difference.
Committee Encouraged to Have a Unified Voice
NCC governing board chair, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the spring meeting.
“Amid the trials facing our nation and our world, we are called to speak with a unified and prophetic voice against the injustices that arise from the brokenness of creation. Such a voice must emerge from genuine common discernment—one that honors the richness and diversity of our communion,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said in his opening remarks.
“To be prophetic in times of challenge is indeed to ‘speak truth to power.’ Yet for that truth to be heard, we must remain close enough to those we seek to address; otherwise, we risk preaching only ‘to the choir.’”
This vision found meaningful expression in the opening worship service, led by the Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. His message on peacemaking grounded the governing board’s work in spiritual purpose.
Throughout the meeting, board members engaged in thoughtful dialogue around key priorities, including financial stewardship, program development, and strengthening relationships across the ecumenical movement. New board members were welcomed, reflecting the NCC’s continued commitment to broad and diverse leadership.
Equipping Leaders to Navigate Differences
The theme of peacemaking also carried into the meeting’s programmatic highlights. The North American –Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) presentation underscored the importance of forming leaders equipped to navigate difference and foster reconciliation in a global context. Similarly, conversations around the MOSAIC initiative lifted storytelling as a vital tool for connection, creating space for voices, experiences, and perspectives that strengthen understanding across communities.
On the second day, reflection continued to shape the governing board’s work. A presentation by Dr. Beth Felker Jones, theology professor at Chicagoland’s Northern Seminary, offered theological insights to start the day. Her presentation was followed by discussions on education, publishing, investments, international concerns, and staff reports.
The gathering continued with a midday worship led by Bishop Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offering a powerful moment of unity and reflection on the meeting’s theme. In this spirit, the Spring Governing Board Meeting served as a time of governance and a living expression of the NCC’s call to witness by pursuing justice, building community, and participating in God’s ongoing work of healing in the world.
How Can You Help?
Your support of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment allows our ecumenical partners around the world to speak out against atrocities such as war and poverty for those who don’t have a voice. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
story by Amanda Dowd, NCC Communications Officer
This story shows the impact of the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to foster unity and shared witness among Christians worldwide. Through this fund, the Church participates in ecumenical partnerships, interfaith dialogues, and collaborative ministries that extend the reach of the Gospel. Together, we model Christ’s prayer that all may be one.
When your church supports the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, you help The United Methodist Church build bridges of faith and partnership across the global Church.
