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 Erin M. Hawkins
General Secretary
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As the General Secretary, my role is to make sure that GCORR is effectively leading the church to challenge and overcome racism and exclusion while living as a fully inclusive Christian community. I believe we can reach these goals by building and modeling relationships across racial and cultural lines, by speaking the truth in love and by being accountable for living as Christ taught and commanded us. I am committed to this purpose as a leader in the church and as a faithful Christian disciple.
Erin became the fourth General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race in September 2007. She joined the staff as an Associate General Secretary in 2001, serving as a staff representative and resource consultant to the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR), the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Initiative and other ministries serving the denomination’s black constituency. She is a Harry Hosier Life Member of BMCR.
Erin was previously a legislative assistant to U.S. Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald from California, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She has a Bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of California at Riverside and two Master's degrees, one in public affairs from Indiana University and one in organizational development from United Methodist-related American University in Washington.
A native of Los Angeles, Erin is a lifelong member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church there, and has taught Sunday school and served as an usher, liturgist, choir member and district delegate to annual conference. A certified lay speaker, she has been a grant writer, program developer, and frequent preacher, keynote speaker and facilitator for local, district, conference and churchwide events.
Erin’s personal and professional accomplishments are undergirded by her strong commitment to advocate for equality and empowerment of disenfranchised people and to model the unconditional love of Jesus Christ for all people.
