[Editor's note: This guest blog from Rev. Melissa Melnick Gonzalez illustrates how local congregations are equipped in so many ways by the programs of Minnesota Council of Churches. Rev. Gonzalez' church plant, Tapestry, has directly or indirectly been supported by MCC Respectful Conversations, the grants promoted in the MCC newsletter, MCC Refugee Services staff connection, and the audiences who read News for the Common Good. The experience of Tapestry's ecumenical congregation presents a perfect microcosm of how Minnesota Council of Churches helps to manifest unity in the body of Christ and build the common good in the world.]
Elder Suzanne P. Kelly was installed as CEO of Minnesota Council of Churches in a service at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis on October 22, 2024.
Bishop Jeffrey L. Smith of Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Roseville, Elder Kelly's home church, offered the first sermonic charge.
Elder Suzanne P. Kelly was installed as CEO of Minnesota Council of Churches in a service at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis on October 22, 2024.
Rev. Alanna Simone Tyler of Minneapolis' Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Bishop Regina Hassanally of the Southeast Minnesota Synod ELCA spoke about the purpose of an installation service.
On October 22 Minnesota Council of Churches marked a new chapter in its history with the Installation of Elder Suzanne P. Kelly as our new CEO. There were many memorable elements of the service, including this introduction of Elder Kelly by Rev. Dana Neuhauser, an MCC Board Member, member of the selection committee, and a Deacon in the United Methodist Church.
This weekend's shooting at a campaign rally was horrifying and our nation is at an inflection point. Over 12 years of MCC Respectful Conversations there are elements of our design and practice that can inform how we act which are highlighted by some specifics of this moment, including remembering that there can be potentially toxic division in any group, that slowing ourselves and our responses down is healthy, and that having a goal when you go into an interaction will help you know what you want to get out of it. The best news is that hundreds of thousands of Americans are working for a hopeful future and fighting toxic polarization. Through MCC and our partners you can be part of that movement.
Part of the body of Christ recently canceled a panel on polarization because members were polarized about the inclusion of a speaker. The news highlights the problem of polarization within Christian communities and reminds us all about the resources we have to address it.
