Welcome to two new member communions!

Two new communions have moved to manifest the unity of the body of Christ and build the common good in the world by joining the now-27 historic black, traditional peace, Orthodox, Pentacostal and Protestant judicatories that make up the Minnesota Council of Churches. We are proud to grow in membership and to recognize our unity with the Presbytery of Dakota and the Communion of Holy Christian Churches.

Presbytery of Dakota, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Pastor Fern Cloud, Stated Clerk

The roots of the Dakota Presbytery were formed in Minnesota, homeland of the Dakota Oyate. They were organized in 1844 in Dakota Territory, which included the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Colorado, and Montana. Today there are 21 congregations in 4 states including Minnesota.

Since 2004, Pastor Fern Cloud has also been the pastor of Pejuhutazizi Presbyterian Church in Granite Falls, MN. She serves on several national committees in the Presbyterian Church. 

Pastor Cloud writes, “I am continually active in racial justice, truth telling, and racial justice; I feel my membership on MCC will bring a strong voice for native people.”

Communion of Holy Christian Churches

Rev. Wayne R. Felton, Archbishop

The Communion of Holy Christian Churches officially began in 2010. They are a Holiness Pentecostal international assembly of local churches and ministries. This movement was birthed by Pentecostal leaders around the world, whom seek a deeper understanding of the historic church’s teachings and practice of the sacraments and liturgy in worship and, who possess a burden for intentionally building racially diverse congregations. 

The Communion began with 45 churches. To date, they have 705 congregations registered as members of the Communion in the following locations: North America, Mexico, Jamaica, Liberia, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Visakhapatnam India.

In the State of Minnesota, they currently have three congregations located in Saint Paul, Rochester, and Mankato.

Archbishop Wayne Felton also pastors the local congregation in St. Paul, The Holy Christian Cathedral.

Archbishop Felton writes, “Our motive for joining MCC is primarily for Christian fellowship and unity with likeminded communions, thereafter, partnering to successfully carry forth a unified conviction of the Church’s mission.”

The Minnesota Council of Churches' board approved the two applications for membership in its meeting on December 10, 2020.