February Message from Conference Minister Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros

I want to address the recent conversations and controversy surrounding the sermon delivered by Episcopal Bishop the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde during the inaugural prayer service on January 21. In her message, Bishop Budde spoke about unity—a unity that calls us to truly listen to one another, even when what we hear challenges our beliefs or makes us uncomfortable. She urged us to engage in civil conversations around our differences. Yet much of the attention, both positive and negative, has focused on her call for mercy from the new administration.

As members of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Budde’s message should not come as a surprise. Her words reflect the heart of our faith: the boundless love, radical inclusivity, and transformative hope embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The gospel often calls us to wrestle with hard truths which can stir a range of emotions. That’s okay. But as followers of Christ, our call is not to seek comfort alone—it is to remain faithful. Faithful to Jesus’ charge to love our neighbors, to seek justice, and to walk humbly with God.

I also want to take this moment to lift up our clergy, who faithfully proclaim this gospel week after week. Their courage, compassion, and dedication to their congregations and communities are a profound gift. These leaders’ step into sacred spaces to share the light of Christ, even when the path is difficult, and for that, they deserve our deep gratitude and steadfast support.

For those who may have felt unsettled or challenged by Bishop Budde’s sermon, I want to reassure you: the message of Jesus is one of love and grace for all people. It also calls us to reflect on our own lives, our systems, and the world we are building together. This work isn’t always easy, but it is holy. And we are in it together as the body of Christ.

Looking ahead, I know these next four years will be unsettling for many, while for others, life may not seem all that different. For those who feel unaffected, I pray that you hear the call to walk alongside those whose fears are real. This is our moment to live into the gospel, to offer hope, courage, and love. I believe deeply in our capacity as a conference to meet whatever comes our way with resilience, faith, and grace. Rooted in God’s love and guided by the Spirit, we will continue to live out the gospel in transformative ways.

Let us remain grounded in prayer, listening deeply to one another, and in trusting the Spirit’s movement among us. As Jesus reminds us, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

With the abiding hope of Christ as we walk this journey of faith together,

Lorraine