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The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries held its 2023 Holy Convocation July 5-9, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. The newly elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson shared the message during worship on Wednesday evening, and Southeast Conference Minister Rev. Kim Wood brought Episcopal greetings during Saturday morning’s worship. TFAM’s Presiding Bishop, Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, provided leadership throughout the event and shared the Good News during closing worship on Sunday.
The Southeast Conference currently has two congregations that are affiliated with TFAM: Real Inspiration Ministries, pastored by Rev. Sonya Williams, and Rehoboth Fellowship UCC, led by Rev. Lavor Troy Sanders. Both churches are located in Atlanta, GA. During worship on Saturday, July 8, Reverends Williams and Sanders were elevated to the office of Bishop in the TFAM organization. We celebrate with Rev. Sonya and Rev. Troy and their families, their congregations, and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. Congratulations, Bishop Williams and Bishop Sanders!
The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) is a trans-denominational, theologically diverse fellowship [1] that reflects a broad theological perspective that embraces aspects of the Pentecostal, Holiness and Charismatic traditions [2]. In 2013, General Synod approved an affirmation of the relationship between the United Church of Christ and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, saying:
- A unique relationship exists between the United Church of Christ and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. There are United Church of Christ congregations and clergy who are active participants in The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. There are also congregations and clergy within The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries that have a desire to become affiliated with the UCC, and still others that value and support the relationship between the United Church of Christ and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries but choose not to become a part of the United Church of Christ. — General Synod 29, Long Beach, CA [3]
The Southeast Conference was proud to provide sponsorship for this year’s Holy Convocation through available leadership funds. We look forward to continuing, as designated in the resolution passed at General Synod 29 (https://new.uccfiles.com/pdf/gs29minutes.pdf) to “deepening friendship, continuing dialogue, and joint public witness with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. [4]”
