ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
Business encompassed numerous items, including the query “Concerns About Current Practices Related to Matters of Sexuality” brought by the Highland Avenue and York Center congregations in this district and presented at the Conference by Highland Avenue board chair Scott Douglas. After significant debate about the Standing Committee recommendation to send the query to the Review and Evaluation Committee—an every-10-years group which was elected at this Conference to review denominational work and structure—the recommendation passed. It also recommended that “the concerns of the query be accepted as a legitimate question.”
A query from Mid-Atlantic District on “Reducing Harm: Interim Steps to Reduce Suffering” also addressed questions stemming from the 1983 paper on Human Sexuality and was answered with several points acknowledging that “some existing position statements on human sexuality appear out of step and merit further discernment” and denouncing conversion therapy as an option.
Delegates also renewed the agency status of Bethany Theological Seminary, Eder Financial, and On Earth Peace based on new covenant agreements. The only significant questions regarding agency status came during discussion of On Earth Peace in a session marked by high emotion on the part of people both supporting and opposing the renewal of agency status, as well as about the broader work to support immigrants. In other business, recommendations on “Calling Denominational Leadership” and “Breaking Down Barriers” (with Jeanne Davies among the presenters) were affirmed, and the “Standing with People of Color” group concluded its work, lifting up study materials and resources that have been created. Three new fellowships in Virlina and Pacific Southwest districts were welcomed.
Dennis Beckner, pastor of Columbia City (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, was called as moderator-elect and will serve as moderator of the 2027 Annual Conference in Daytona Beach, Fla. Don Fitzkee of Lancaster, Pa., is the 2026 moderator for the Conference that will take place next year in Fort Wayne, Ind. Others called to serve at this Conference include Amber T. Harris of Durham, N.C. to Program & Arrangements Committee; Harry Biddle of Oakton, Va., to the Pastoral Compensation & Benefits Advisory Committee; Chris Douglas of Elgin, Ill.; Ilexene Alphonse of Miami, Fla.; Lupita Ortiz Cruz of Bassett, Va.; Anna Lisa Gross of North Manchester, Ind; and Daniel Rudy of Callaway, Va., to the Review and Evaluation Committee; Eric Ramirez of Lancaster, Pa. (Area 1), Sarah Mason of McPherson, Kan. (Area 4), and Daniel Landon Butler of Grundy Center, Iowa (at-large) to the Mission & Ministry Board; Katy Gray Brown of North Manchester, Ind., John D. Miller of York, Pa., and Dennis Webb of Naperville, Ill., to the Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; Jan Fahs of North Manchester, Ind., Katherine Haff of North Manchester, Ind., and Derrick Petry of Beavercreek, Ohio, to the Eder Financial board; and Stephen Niamke of Roanoke, Va., to the On Earth Peace board.
The Conference also included daily worship on the theme “Faith Working Through Love,” with preachers Dava Hensley, the 2025 moderator; a “cowbell service” featuring preachers Becky Baile Crouse, Josiah Ludwick, and Tony Price; Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren pastor Lupita Ortiz; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary professor Gennifer Brooks; and South Waterloo Church of the Brethren pastor Dave Kerkove. This year’s Annual Conference Witness to the Host City benefited BackPack Beginnings, a nonprofit dedicated to making a difference for local, low-income children and families by providing for their tangible basic needs. More than $17,000 and nearly 200 backpacks and 4,800 school supply items were donated to the organization. In addition, a blood drive collected 116 units at the Conference, and a silent auction raised nearly $14,000 for Annual Conference to expand its work.
Among those from our district who played key roles at the Conference, Jeanne Davies (York Center) led the Ministers’ Association pre-conference event, Leonard and Vicki Matheny (Peoria First) again oversaw registration, Carol Kussart (Cerro Gordo) was a microphone monitor, Heidi Gross (Chicago First) served as a worship leader Thursday evening, Mary Jessup and other members of Springfield First were part of an evening equipping session on shared ministry teams, Chris Douglas (Highland Avenue) oversaw the silent auction, Kevin Kessler
(Canton) represented us on Standing Committee, Debbie Noffsinger (Highland Avenue) continued in her role as Annual Conference assistant, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford (Highland Avenue) coordinated news coverage, and several others were there in denominational staff roles. A few of our members also served as table facilitators.
A two-page wrap-up of the Conference can be accessed and printed at www.brethren.org/news/coverage/ac2025/. Other resources available there include recordings of worship services and the Church of the Brethren annual report. For further information on Annual Conference business items and other links, visit www.brethren.org/ac2025. The 2026 Annual Conference will take place June 28-July 2 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. [Some material drawn from Church of the Brethren “Newsline” coverage. Photo by Glenn Riegel, Church of the Brethren]
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