Salisbury, NC — Hood Theological Seminary is honored to announce that Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, will serve as the Commencement Speaker for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
Rev. Dr. Thompson made history as the first woman elected to lead the United Church of Christ. She is the third woman nominated for the role—following the Rev. Yvonne Delk (1989) and the Rev. Barbara Brown Zikmund (1999)—but the first to be elected to the position. A Jamaican immigrant and global church leader, Thompson is also the third person of African descent to serve as the denomination’s leader. Her historic election took place during the 34th General Synod of the United Church of Christ in Indianapolis, and she officially assumed office on August 1, succeeding the Rev. John Dorhauer.
Following the historic vote, Thompson reflected on the moment, saying, “Today, United Church of Christ, we created a first together. It won’t be the last first.”
Since 2019, Thompson has served as Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive for Global Ministries within the United Church of Christ. Her leadership in the denomination spans more than a decade, including service as Minister for Racial Justice and Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.
An accomplished scholar and ecumenical leader, Thompson holds a Doctor of Ministry from Seattle University, where her dissertation focused on religious multiplicity among African Caribbean people. She also earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University.
Beyond her denominational leadership, Thompson is an active voice in the global church. She serves on the executive committee and central committee of the World Council of Churches, emphasizing the importance of ecumenical collaboration in the 21st century.
“I am looking forward to holding as a priority the UCC’s ecumenical commitment,” Thompson has said. “Collaboration is important for all of us as we continue to live into being church in the 21st century.”
As the 2026 Commencement speaker, Rev. Dr. Thompson will address graduates, faculty, and families, offering wisdom drawn from her distinguished career in ministry, scholarship, and global church leadership.
More details about the 2026 Commencement ceremony will be announced in the coming months.
