GCORR Board Meets in Denver for Learning, Reflection, and Visioning for the Future
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026
Denver, Colorado — The Board of Directors of the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) gathered in Denver, Colorado for its Spring 2026 board meeting, bringing together 22 board members and staff in a hybrid gathering for learning, reflection, governance, and discernment for the future of the Church.
Immersion and Truth-Telling
The meeting began with a day devoted to immersion and learning at the History Colorado Center, where board members engaged the history of the Sand Creek Massacre.
The day was guided by Chief Chris Tall Bear, a member of the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation Board and a Sand Creek Massacre descendant. Chief Tall Bear invited the board into a space of truth-telling and reflection, challenging participants not to rush toward solutions but to sit with the painful truths of history and consider how they shape our present.
The massacre holds particular significance for Methodists, as the attack was led by a Methodist pastor serving as a military officer. Through guided conversation and reflection, board members grappled with this difficult history and considered the church’s ongoing call toward reconciliation, healing, and faithful witness today.
Reflecting on the experience, Chief Tall Bear shared:
“This convening was a rare and beautiful confluence of truth-telling and genuine kinship. Donna and I both felt deeply nurtured–mentally, physically, and spiritually–by the humility and openness of this global GCORR family. Seeing so many nations represented, all willing to share and learn from our spirituality, reminds us that while the history of Sand Creek is a deep wound, the path to restoration is paved with this kind of mutual vulnerability. We left Denver with full hearts, mindful of the significant work ahead, but strengthened by the authentic relationships built in this sacred space.”
Chief Tall Bear was later joined during the board meeting by his wife, Donna.
As a continuation of this learning, the board committed to ongoing engagement with the history and legacy of Sand Creek. Board members will participate in a shared book study to deepen their understanding and reflect more fully on what faithful reconciliation and accountability require of the church today.
Centering Stories and Connection
The second day of the gathering began with storytelling devotions. Board members and staff shared personal stories reflecting the diverse experiences, cultures, and callings that shape their ministries. These moments deepened relationships and affirmed how God works through the unique gifts and journeys of each person.
The board then received reports from GCORR leadership, including General Secretary Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo and Board President Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, highlighting the agency’s ongoing commitment to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, develop interculturally competent leaders, and catalyze authentic community.
Reflecting on the gathering, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo said:
“Our gathering in Denver was a powerful reminder that the work of justice in the Church requires both honest reflection and faithful action. From learning difficult histories to celebrating the diverse gifts within our community, our board spent time discerning how GCORR can continue to equip the church to lead with courage, compassion, and a commitment to equity. We leave this meeting renewed in our calling to help the church build communities where all people truly belong.”
Program and Ministry Updates
Staff shared updates on a range of programmatic and communications initiatives designed to equip churches and leaders for the work of racial justice and intercultural ministry.
Among the initiatives highlighted was GCORR’s continued support for cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry. Upcoming resources include, “Navigating the First 100 Days,” a handbook designed to support clergy serving in CRCC appointments and a series of mental health resources that will address topics such as collective trauma, anxiety, generational healing, and pastoral well-being in today’s challenging sociopolitical climate.
Program staff also mentioned the development of, “Intercultural Competency 101,” an upcoming online course grounded in theological and scriptural foundations to help leaders cultivate intercultural awareness and skills in ministry, and ongoing support for congregations engaging in racial justice through study series, book discussions, and educational resources including educational initiatives addressing the rise of white Christian nationalism.
Communications staff shared how GCORR is expanding its digital presence and storytelling across the church, learning from GCORR constituency such as from a recent engagement with conference CORR Chairs, and growing audience engagement across social media platforms. This along with increased traffic to GCORR’s websites demonstrates that church leaders continue to rely on GCORR for timely resources and education.
In addition, staff highlighted the strong response to the recent Faithful Resistance public witness event and the digital engagement surrounding it, which connected thousands of people across the church and ecumenical partners to GCORR’s call for justice and faithful action.
Also presenting was Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz, Executive Director of El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, who shared updates on El Plan’s evolving ministry structure and key initiatives supporting Hispanic/Latino leadership in the church such as the upcoming La Plaza Public Theology Institute and an exciting partnership with Candler School of Theology that is in development.
Governance and Ongoing Work
Board committees met throughout the gathering to discuss ongoing initiatives and future priorities. Among the updates shared was a report from the task force working on the Apology for the Illegal Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, which convened during the meeting to discuss next steps in advancing this important work within the church.
Board Actions
During the meeting, the board also took several actions to support ongoing collaboration and participation within the denomination.
The board voted unanimously to begin proactive conversations with other United Methodist agencies and boards about future collaboration as the church continues discerning its evolving structure and shared mission.
The board also voted unanimously to send a letter to the General Conference Committee regarding the selection of Minneapolis as the site for the 2028 General Conference, raising concerns about ongoing visa challenges that could affect the ability of international delegates and participants to fully take part in the gathering.
Dreaming the Future of the Church
In addition to governance work, the board engaged in a facilitated conversation about the future of the church and GCORR’s role within it.
Board members reflected together on questions including:
What would the church lose if GCORR did not exist?
What unique role must GCORR continue to play?
What new areas must GCORR expand into?
These discussions encouraged thoughtful reflection on GCORR’s prophetic role in addressing racism, strengthening intercultural leadership, and helping the church live more fully into God’s vision of beloved community.
Closing in Worship
The board meeting concluded with worship and Holy Communion, centering the work of the gathering in prayer and gratitude. Through worship, participants brought their learning, decisions, and commitments before God, seeking wisdom and courage for the work ahead.
As GCORR continues its ministry within the United Methodist Church, the Spring board meeting reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fostering right relationships, equipping leaders, and strengthening the church’s witness for justice and belonging across cultures and communities. Board members left the gathering renewed in their shared calling and committed to the work ahead. The next meeting of the GCORR Board of Directors is scheduled for September 2026.
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About the General Commission on Religion and Race
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is an agency of The United Methodist Church committed to challenging racism and promoting equity, inclusion, and intercultural competency across the denomination and throughout the world. GCORR equips leaders and congregations through education, advocacy, and resources that help build communities grounded in love, justice, and mutual accountability.
Media Contact:
Jeehye Kim
Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)
jpak@gcorr.org
www.gcorr.org