Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team within the Southern New England Conference works to advance our call to “live the love and justice of Jesus.” This work plan is grounded in the established commitments of our three historic Conferences and our aspirational priorities as a new Conference.
Our efforts are manifested through partnership with the conference organization and its 26 associations, 615 congregations, 120,000 members, and the wider United Church of Christ. We also understand that we are stronger and more effective when we engage in ecumenical and interfaith collaborations and build alliances among the nonprofit, philanthropic, governmental, and corporate sectors, as well as other individuals with whom we identify shared goals.
The Rev. Ross leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. He also provides support and leadership within the Conference, our churches, other settings of the United Church of Christ, and the communities where we live, worship and work to identify, confront, address, and bring justice in the places structural harm has taken place.
In addition, Rev. Ross works directly on initiatives and programs related to racial justice and LGBTQIA justice. He is available to provide trainings, individual consultations, and other engagement.
James Ross
Emma supports congregations in making God’s love real through engagement in environmental and economic justice.
Contact them for:
- Support engaging environmental and economic justice in your congregation’s life of faith, including (but not limited to!) worship, bible study, and mission.
- Getting involved in the Conference’s shared efforts toward economic and environmental justice.
Emma Brewer-Wallin
They/them
Debbie Ringen supports the Conference vision to make God’s love and justice real through wellness ministry at the Conference and local church level. In addition to providing resources, educational workshops, blogs and networking opportunities, she is available to speak with churches about health and wellness programs to support healthy individuals, congregations and communities. Resources on various health related topics can be found on the SNEUCC Health Ministry webpage. Contact her for:
- Questions related to health and wellness
- Information and resources to begin or grow health and wellness ministry programs
- Learn more about Faith Community Nursing
“Health is harmony with oneself, others, the environment and God. Our faith is part of what makes us whole, so we must care for the whole person - mind, body and spirit through the journey of life.”
Debbie Ringen
Michael engages and supports local congregations in creating greater inclusion and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people within the various settings of the church and community. Contact Michael to:
- Request support for your congregation in deepening its understanding and commitment to Queer Justice and for guidance to those who are embarking on this journey.
Michael Streib
Karen Methot communicates with congregations, pastors, and lay leaders around justice issues via email, website, and social media, and serves as staff liaison to nine justice task teams. Contact her to:
- Request support for your church when going through ONA process
- Inquire about racial justice trainings or resources
- Connect with a task team
- Arrange for Rev. James Ross to preach
- Submit an article for Ever Flowing Streams, which Karen edits
Karen Methot
She/her