06/11/2026
Happy Pride Month Siblings,
π BIG NEWS! π
We are overjoyed to officially announce that Rev. Derek Terry has been appointed Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC! π
Rev. Terry has faithfully served our Coalition as Program Director and most recently as Acting Executive Director for over a year while leading with compassion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to extravagant affirmation.
Under his leadership, we have:
β¨ Continued certifying congregations as Open and Affirming
β¨ Expanded partnerships across faith communities & conferences
β¨ Grown deeper connections throughout the UCC and beyond
Rev. Terry is a servant leader, a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ people and communities, and a living example of faith and justice in action. We are so honored to have him leading the organization and the movement officially!
As we celebrate this exciting news during Pride Month, we invite you to celebrate with us by supporting the work of the Open and Affirming Coalition through Give OUT Day, the nation's largest day of giving for LGBTQ+ organizations.
Your gift helps sustain LGBTQ+ affirmation, advocacy, leadership development, educational resources, and communities where people can find belonging, hope, and courage.
Make your Give OUT Day gift:
https://www.giveoutday.org/story/39a45g
Please join us in congratulating Rev. Derek Terry and helping us continue building a world where LGBTQ+ people are fully welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.
Congratulations, Rev. Terry! The movement is stronger because of you.
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming Rev. Derek Terry as our Executive Director!