The Steering Committee of Christian Churches Together, USA (CCT), has appointed Dr. Monica Schaap Pierce its new Executive Director, effective July 24, 2022. Monica assumes the position, following more than a decade of service and leadership in Christian denominational, national, and international ecumenical bodies. She will be the first woman appointed the head of CCT, a twenty-year-old national communion of churches representing one of the broadest fellowships of Christians in the United States.
A member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), Monica received her Ph.D. in theology from Fordham University in 2018. She has taught theology at Roman Catholic and Reformed universities and seminaries and is currently co-chair of the national Reformed-Catholic dialogue. Commenting on her appointment Dr. Schaap Pierce said, “I am honored to lead this unique and holy communion of Christians. During my years serving on the Steering Committee, as CCT’s Treasurer, and then as Interim Executive Director, it has been the relationships that lie at the heart of our fellowship that have had the most profound impact on me. The intentional focus on relationship-building and mutual understanding that defines CCT is as important as ever given the urgency of unity in our divided world. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we grow together in Christ and identify new possibilities for a shared witness to the reconciling hope at the heart of our faith.”
Monica’s appointment followed a broad search and interview process, identifying and engaging prospective candidates with strong qualifications. A five-member Search Committee representing all of CCT’s “families” (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Historic Protestant, Historic Black, and Evangelical and Pentecostal) managed the process and unanimously recommended Monica for the role; CCT’s governing board, the Steering Committee, also unanimously approved the decision. Upon Monica’s appointment, Pastor Jim Lyon, CCT Moderator and General Director of Church of God Ministries (Anderson, IN), shared that, “Monica’s exceptional sense of calling to and heart for the work, her demonstrated capacity and passion to lead and achieve, and her acumen for both vision and management all bear witness to the promise of CCT’s next chapter. We are more than excited to see her at the helm.”
Formed in 2001, Christian Churches Together brings together thirty-three Christian churches and organizations in the United States who foster loving relationships, cultivate theological learning and understanding, and discern (by consensus) how to bear witness to the reconciling power of Jesus. The Executive Director serves as CCT’s chief executive officer, overseeing all aspects of the organization to ensure effective operation, cooperation, communication, and implementation of strategic plans and goals as defined by its constituent communions and organizations.
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Contact:
Monica Schaap Pierce
Christian Churches Together
614-530-0481
[email protected]
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