The General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) made a major decision at the opening session of its 2011 meeting. The Board voted on Saturday, Feb. 26 to recommend to the General Assembly that Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins serve a second six-year term as General Minister and President.
Watkins accepted the Board's recommendation to widespread applause and thanked the group for their support of her leadership.
"Sharon Watkins has done an excellent job representing Disciples," said Regina Morton, chair of the Review/Search and Call Committee. "She has made us known around the world with her prophetic voice and pastoral presence. Through her administration we have better utilized technology and creative ways to keep us solvent in these trying economic times."
The board voted by paper ballot in Executive Session following a presentation by Morton, who presented a summary of findings from the Review/Search and Call Committee's work. The RSCC was named by the General Board at its spring 2010 meeting where GMP Watkins indicated her sense of call to serve another six-year term. The RSCC implemented an online and paper survey, entitled, "Listening to the People – A Review Questionnaire for Rev. Dr. Watkins" which was completed by more than 600 people.
Watkins also gave her statement of re-election to the board prior to its vote. (PDF)
"The church is blessed to have faithful leaders who have engaged in this process of discernment," said Watkins, after the vote. "I am grateful to all who have given of their time to help shape the next six years through the re-election process."
Watkins became the first woman to serve as General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), following her election at the 2005 General Assembly in Portland, Oregon.
During her nearly six-year tenure, she has encouraged Disciples to reclaim Christian unity and wholeness as part of their core identity. She has preached a message of hope and inspiration to Disciples throughout the United States and Canada – and around the world. Her leadership has helped Disciples think more creatively about future directions for the church in a time of global change. She implemented a 21st Century Vision Team and collaborated with the Mission Alignment Coordinating Council, both of which allowed Disciples to envision more opportunities for networking, collaboration and a renewed focus on mission and ministry. The merger of Church Finance Council functions into the Office of General Minister and President in 2007 also led to a reduction in structure and released some financial resources for ministry.
In 2009, Dr. Watkins was selected as the first woman to preach at the National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. as part of inauguration activities for President Barack Obama. She also served on the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Dr. Watkins has been a strong advocate for justice and racial reconciliation. She has spoken at numerous ecumenical gatherings championing issues that affect 'the least of these' – including improved children's health, health care reform, and humane and compassionate immigration reform.
Watkins' name will now be forwarded to the General Assembly, which will meet in Nashville, Tenn., July 9-13. It is at the Assembly that the final vote on re-electing Watkins will take place.
"I am ecstatic about Sharon's nomination, said Nancy Brink, from the Pacific Southwest, representing Church Extension. "She has learned a lot in these six years and we have learned with her. I think we will be ready to move forward in positive directions with her experienced leadership."
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