GCORR Board Directory, 2009-2012

Board President
Bishop Linda Lee

Bishop, Wisconsin Area: Wisconsin Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee, Vice President

Statement: We have to work together with many others to fulfill the unfinished agenda of the church: the eradication of racism. Racism is still an undercurrent that runs throughout our church and society, affecting our relationships, economics, health and spirit as a people. The task before us—to build an inclusive, whole, transformed church and society—can be daunting. But we are not in this alone, for we must continue to build that beloved community on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.

 

Board Vice President
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño

Bishop, Phoenix Area: Desert Southwest Conference, Western Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee (President); Minority Group Self- Determination Fund Committee (Chair)

Statement: I am a recipient of the church’s ongoing racism. I have been cared for, loved and respected until I hit that sacred nerve, that ugly core within us that we can only name as racism. It often happens when I speak out in support of undocumented immigrant people. But our denomination’s Commission on Religion and Race, on whose board I serve, is working alongside other United Methodists to advocate for humane immigration policies as part of its witness for racial justice and inclusive hospitality. I am grateful to be a part of that ministry.

 

Bishop Daniel Wandabula

Bishop, East Africa Area: East Africa Annual Conference (Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Sudan), Africa Central Conference

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I am hoping that my presence on the General Commission on Religion and Race will help not only East Africa but all the central conferences which I represent on this Commission. It will give us a voice to express ourselves on issues of racism and ethnocentrism. It will give us an opportunity to learn from other people the way they are dealing with this problem and how we can work together to deal it. And it will give me an opportunity to lobby for support and training programs for the central conferences in our work on race and religion.

 

The Rev. John Adams

Clergyman, Indiana Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: My ministry of education consists of helping people become aware of truths versus myths concerning American Indians or Native Americans. I am often invited to share my knowledge with churches, public schools in Indiana and Kentucky, scouting troops, Kiwanis groups and church camps. The reason I want to serve on GCORR is to help folks deal with the reality of racism, particularly imbed­ded and religious racism. I believe that racism is a major obstacle to grace in churches today, and that the church, as both the redemptive and representative Body of Christ in the world today, is called to teach and exemplify God’s love, mercy and grace. We can all experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, like the early church did at Pentecost, if we can be set free from all these “isms”—for example, racism, sexism, ageism, and classism.

 

Randy Lee Biggerstaff

Layman, Missouri Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Audit Committee; Personnel Committee

Statement: I have been blessed to serve at every level of The United Methodist Church: local, district, conference and general church. I told our nomination committee to place me where they felt I could do the most good. I was excited to hear that I had been elected to serve on GCORR.

 

Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger

Laywoman, Northern Illinois Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee, Planning & Evaluation Committee

Statement: My interest in GCORR’s board comes from my own research and work in undergrad school on systems of inequality in the Americas. My sociology department was committed to social justice and scholar activism, and I have embraced those values. My own passion has focused on racial justice. I hope after some time off to continue research and earn a graduate sociology degree focused on inequality, particularly on racism. I am interested as a young adult in working with the church to end these inequalities and to combat systemic injustice.

Also, I am interested because of my personal experiences of growing up in Chicago. I attended public schools with all the diversity the city could provide. I was confirmed in a Japanese-American, Pan-Asian, Indian-Pakistani, multi-language, multi-ethnic United Methodist church.

 

Marla J. Bobowick

Consultant

Her work with GCORR includes:

• Support and coaching to the board chair and general secretary about ways to strengthen relationships with and among board members and strategies for increasing board member engagement in the work of GCORR
• Board meeting planning, facilitation, and evaluation as a consultant to the Executive Committee and an advisor to the full board
• Available resource on good governance and nonprofit practices for the board, committees, and staff, as needed

 

The Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong

Clergyman, Florida Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I have a passion for issues related to racial reconciliation and inclusiveness, especially within the context of Christian community, and for lay ministry development, dialogue and shared ministry among various dimensions of the worldwide church. 

 

Jennifer Davis

Laywoman, Western North Carolina Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee; Audit Committee

Statement: The General Commission on Religion and Race board is one of those places where my professional and spiritual desires and experiences can be fulfilled for the continued building of the Kingdom.

 

The Rev. Dr. Jerome “Jerry” R. DeVine

Clergyman, West Michigan Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee; Planning & Evaluation Committee (Chair)

Statement: After working for over 25 years to build inclusive patterns in local communities and annual conference structures and ministries, being a part of GCORR for the past 4 years allowed me to continue in a vital arena of ministry. Having the opportunity to help facilitate the board’s Strategic Planning process was an immense joy and challenge. I hope to see it now bring results.

 

The Rev. Theresa (Terry) M. Dougherty

Clergywoman, Texas Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee

Statement: God has called the church to be an agency of healing and reconciliation. It is for this purpose I have been called to serve as a United Methodist pastor. My preparation for this work includes my education and work in counseling and cross-cultural/cross-racial ministry, and my training in conflict transformation and mediation.

I lived in New Jersey and Rochester, NY, in fairly diverse communities until I moved with my family to Texas. Although racism exists in all places, it continues to have a large impact upon church and societal systems in this part of the U.S. For 8 years I have served as Associate Pastor in a predominately African American church. I needed to learn many lessons; and the pastor and congregation were patient and forgiving enough to teach me.

As a teacher and a counselor, I witnessed racism that caused great hurt to children too many times. Today, when I attend district and conference leadership meetings and do not see diversity in the room, I am convinced that the church will have little to offer as a witness for a world healed of racism if we do not ad­dress the sin of racism within our own institution. I am committed to participating in this work whenever and wherever there are opportunities to do so.

 

Gregory L. Duncan, Sr.

Layman, Virginia Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Finance Committee

Statement: We must try to assure all people that just because sometimes we don’t all praise God in the same way, it doesn’t mean anyone is less or more important than another.

 

The Rev. Jaime Abraham Faberllé

Clergyman, Florida Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee (Vice Chair)

Statement: As someone rooted in the rich Wesleyan tradition, I firmly believe that personal and social holiness go hand in hand. Furthermore, these are at the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that the local church serves as an ambassador to the community it serves and as an agent of reconciliation among the people. Comprehending issues of race and justice, coupled with theological reflection, is of utmost significance to the effective ministry of the church. Understanding these issues and how to deal with them, as well as awareness of the perils of inequality and injustice that afflict our communities, is paramount to the ability of the church to transform the world through the disciple-making process that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. I believe in The United Methodist Church’s structures and their potential to impact the world for God.

 

The Rev. Dr. Pamela H. Ford

Clergywoman, Susquehanna Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

Statement: Central Pennsylvania Conference does not reflect diversity in its leadership or clergy. CPC demographics have not supported an environment of diversity. This has changed in some areas and will change in others in coming years. Bishop Middleton and the Cabinet struggle with developing more diverse leadership at all levels. We are encouraged by promising young people of diverse ethnicities who are entering our ranks. We are trying to be intentional about preparing these persons for future leadership. It may be that, in the meanwhile, we will need to recruit capable ethnic persons to serve in our midst.

I believe I can bring leadership gifts to GCORR, and we (CPC Bishop and Cabinet) hope that, through my serving on the GCORR Board, we will be able to strengthen our efforts via the network and resources represented by GCORR. I expect to contribute to the Board, and I expect to learn much.

 

JoAnn Fukumoto

Laywoman, California-Pacific Conference, Western Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

Statement: Racial justice is still a concern in the church and in the world. Our church has made great strides in raising awareness. But we still have a long way to go. GCORR is helping the church in monitoring and making sure that racial justice education is continued. I would like to see the Commission work toward having information in different languages available on general church and conference levels.

 

Coral Summers Garner

Laywoman, Minnesota Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

Statement: I want to be able to use my talents and life experiences to make a difference in The United Methodist Church. As an African American growing up in the South I was greatly influenced by the Rev. Joseph Lowery and Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, whose contributions to advocating for equal opportunity and inclusion of Black Americans into mainstream American society have had a profound effect on defining who I am today.

 

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Harris

Clergyman, Oklahoma Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee (Secretary); Personnel Committee

Statement: The church still needs the important role GCORR plays. We must stick to fulfilling the unfinished agenda of defeating racism.

 

Ulysses Hernandez

Lay youth, Kentucky Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I was born in the U.S. to my Salvadoran mother. I have been a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church since three years ago. I was in Sunday school, and I have two years of being among the youth group of my congregation, Corazones/State Street UMC. I like to serve and study. I wish to serve my church, my conference and to represent our ethnic group among young people of the United Methodist Church at all levels.

 

The Rev. Roger Hopson

Clergyman, Memphis Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Personnel Committee (Vice Chair)

Statement: Racism must be confronted and challenged in the church. I am passionate about radical hospitality and justice for all people. It is an honor and privilege to serve, that I may passionately use my gifts for Kingdom building. These are exciting times for the church, and many challenges lie ahead.

 

The Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt

Clergyman, Baltimore-Washington Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee

Statement: My commitments and passions for the church and society is that we would constructively engage in inclusivity and honor diversity which is a gift from God.

 

The Rev. Oscar C. Inere

Clergyman, Philippines Annual Conference, Central Conference

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination

 

The Rev. Taka Ishii

Clergyman, New York Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Personnel Committee 

Statement: I believe that GCORR can be a catalyst in the United Methodist Church for racial inclusiveness. I would like to be a part of the prophetic movement in the United Methodist Church through the work of GCORR.

  

Treasurer

Aquilino (Pong) Javier, Jr.

Layman, Northern Illinois Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Finance Committee (Chair); Executive Committee (Treasurer)

Statement: My passion for equality and full participation of all persons in church, society, and the work place has always driven me to look up to institutions that are in the forefront of these concerns. On the issue of race, GCORR has been my source of knowledge and inspiration. Like many, I face the race matter on a daily basis. I can contribute to the work of GCORR to make the UMC vision of inclusiveness and equality a reality. My experience working with GCORR staff and volunteers during the 2008 General Conference enhanced my desire to work more closely with the commission.

 

Barbara Galusha Karst

Laywoman, Yellowstone Conference, Western Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination

Statement: My faith is the driving force behind the work I do in all areas. I still see so much racism throughout Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Sadly, it continues in the church as well; and I want to help United Methodists and people outside the UMC to understand that racism is still an ongoing part of society and we need to address it whenever and wherever we can. I want to make a difference! I believe GCORR can help me understand the depths to which it goes, as well as how to better stand up against it. I want to help Yellowstone Conference to be a more inclusive conference.

 

The Rev. Dr. Christopher Jacob Kurien

Clergyman, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee

Statement: The various places and settings I grew up in helps me to understand different cultures and traditions. I celebrate racial diversity and I am committed to work hard for inclusiveness and reconcili­ation at all levels of the church. It is an honor and privilege to be part of GCORR board and serve along with others who have similar passion.

 

Efrain Maldonado

Layman, Methodist Church of Puerto Rico

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee

 

Rev. Nora Colmenares Martinez

Clergywoman, North Georgia Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Planning and Evaluation Committee

 

J. Harris Moore

Layman, Arkansas Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I think that this Commission is a pathway to making the church address the American Race problem. As a member I can help in the process to make sure that we as the church redefine or eliminate race altogether.

 

Revelle Moore

Laywoman, Red Bird Missionary Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination

Statement: I was raised to value a person, all persons, for themselves, as children of God, just as I am. To be honest, I have trouble understanding oppression in any manner; but as I’ve grown into adulthood I realize that I was living with an unrealistic view of how the world works. My parents, I believe, weren’t trying to shelter me. They were just trying to make the world a better place for all by instilling those values into me. I hope to be one voice that will join with others to remind persons that we are all children of God equally. And I hope to have open ears to listen and learn of others’ struggles and open arms to join with others in sharing God’s love!

 

The Rev. Myles E. Pierson

Clergyman, Virginia Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Finance Committee

Statement: I want to help United Methodist churches stop committing the sin of racism, work for equality among all persons and improve relationships.

 

Mayuris Pimentel

Laywoman, Florida Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee; Advocacy Committee

Statement: I support the work of GCORR and have lived experiences that have made me want to work to achieve understanding, dialogue, and justice between all people and for all people.

 

Amanda Price

Lay youth, Louisiana Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

Statement: I have always been interested in the United Methodist Church beyond my own conference. Being on the GCORR board will allow me to meet other people and allow me to have leadership experiences on a much larger scale than I could have ever imagined. After reading up on some history and issues, I am very excited to talk about some racial issues that may affect our church. I am excited to see what GCORR will be about. I am opinioned and I hope to help make important decisions regarding my church.  

 

Shirley E. Readdean

Laywoman, Troy Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee; Personnel Committee.

Statement: I am a strong advocate for racial justice. I served on this commission during the last quadrennium. I want to continue to serve the church in this capacity because I believe this commission serves as the consciousness of the church, as the church addresses the issues of persons of color.

 

Adam Recvlohe

Lay youth, Oklahoma Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Audit Committee

Statement: I decided to join GCORR to aid the Methodist Church in understanding the issues that Native Churches face especially in terms of race and religion. Native Churches are unique in themselves since they serve and support a unique people with a unique history, languages, and world view and to provide a different perspective for the Methodist Church to consider. I don’t propose to know everything about Native Churches or everything about my Community, but I can speak of my experiences within the community and how those relate to the challenges that GCORR faces. I have worked within the Muscogee and Euchee communities within the past four years on language, agricultural, and historical revitalization efforts.

 

Giselle Rémy Bratcher

Laywoman, South Georgia Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I joined the struggle for racial justice at an early age. Growing up in the Deep South, it was an act of daily resistance to claim my own biracial identity in an environment that determined that my existence had to fit within the black white dichotomy long ruled by plantation laws and caste systems. This struggle has taken me on a lifelong journey towards freedom, inclusivity, and human rights with the aim of asserting and understanding our “global multiplicative identities”;be they identities of gender, class, ethnicity, culture, etc. As a layperson in the United Methodist Church, I believe GCORR has the potential to bring about a cathartic and necessary transformation in the way the church seeks to be one with God and one with each other—and a vehicle for LOVE that breaks free the shackles of oppression that continue to bind our church and communities.

 

Jacqueline Serrato

Laywoman, Northern Illinois, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

Statement: Because I grew up in a thriving Mexican immigrant community in south Chicago–where I witnessed poverty, violence, and discrimination–I have felt a calling to promote and defend the rights and interests of this same community and communities that face similar obstacles. My local church is in the heart of this community, and through various ministries, we are blessed to be reaching so many hearts. We are working closely with other churches and organizations toward social solidarity and toward a future that is free from the repercussions of institutional racism.

The United Methodist Church can fall short of its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ if it systematically ignores, weakens, or hinders the spiritual and social growth of communities of color. It would be one way to respond to my calling to be on the GCORR board and to work toward inclusiveness in all forms and in all sectors of the general church.

 

The Rev. Jasmine Rose Smothers

Clergywoman, North Georgia Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Legislation Committee

Statement: I think GCORR is one of the most important ministries of our denomination, as we strive to truly be The United Methodist Church. I understand the history that brought about the formation of GCORR, and I believe in its mission. Without GCORR, The United Methodist Church may not be held accountable for truly being the inclusive body of Christ that God has called us to be. I have always been interested in issues of race and justice where the church is concerned, and I pray that with GCORR’s help, the UMC can move forward towards being truly united across racial lines.

 

Daphine L. Strickland

Laywoman, Western North Carolina Annual Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee; Personnel Committee (Chair)

Statement: I believe that I have had many years of experience working with people from many ethnic backgrounds and that I want to be a part of the solution to ethnic differences and not a part of the problem. At the Church level I do what I can to make a difference. I feel that I could do a better job as a GCORR board member to help bring change. I have had training and have been a part of many committees, conferences, and commissions to eliminate racism.

 

Sue Sullivan

Laywoman, Texas Annual Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Finance Committee

Statement: I am interested in serving wherever the Lord leads me. I am eager to learn and participate in the GCORR.

 

The Rev. Dr. Christina Sung

Clergywoman, Iowa Conference, North Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination

Statement: Although God created all human beings in his image, we experience racism individually and collectively at all levels of the church. I believe all followers of Jesus are called to be witnesses as ambassadors of justice and reconciliation in the church for Christ’s namesake. Therefore, I offer myself for making a difference in Christ’s church so that the church and the world will reflect God’s creation that God intended to be.

 

The Rev. Sione Tu’Uta

Clergyman, Louisiana Conference, South Central Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Minority Group Self-Determination Fund Committee

 

The Rev. Dr. William Wallace, Sr.

Clergyman, Peninsula-Delaware Conference, Northeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination

Statement: My interest in GCORR stems from the need to address issues of racism, inequality and sys­temic injustice based on the hue of an individual’s skin color. Methodism has an interesting and colorful history relative to its position on dealing with people of color, especially Native Americans and descen­dants of motherland Africa. I desire to share God’s proclamation of non-acceptance of such behavior. Furthermore, I seek to encourage opportunities for reconciliation. GCORR has a positive and strong anti-racism passion, of which I am privileged to be a part.

My interest is in the area of equality and justice. At the conference, I am responsible for monitoring con­ference agencies, boards and commissions, as well as other conference related activities which involve racial inclusiveness monitoring. Our Nurturing Wholeness in Community seminars provide historical insights about racism, discuss biblical and theological implications of the sin of racism and encourage participants to listen to each other’s stories.

 

The Rev. Dale Weatherspoon

Clergyman, California-Nevada Conference, Western Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Executive Committee, Legislation Committee (Chair)

Statement: I want to help our church become more culturally aware and culturally competent in order to build bridges, and to become more accepting of our commonalities and differences in order to live in God’s unity and shalom—all so that we can do together the mission God has given us of making disciples for the healing and transformation of the world. I am and have been a pastor in cross-racial-cross cultural appointments, having grown up in a predominately African American congregation. I want to continue to learn and grow in my acceptance of others by working with like-minded, spirit-filled people on this journey of faith.

 

Ms. Jeanet Berruecos Xicohtencatl

Laywoman, Holston Conference, Southeastern Jurisdiction

GCORR Committee: Committee to Eliminate Institutional Discrimination