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German United Methodist to lead mission agency

 
Thomas Kemper

By Elliott Wright*
Jan. 13, 2010 | NEW YORK (UMNS)

A former missionary with strong United Methodist roots in his native Germany and broad ecumenical and international experience is the new chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Thomas Kemper, 53, a layman, was elected Jan. 13 by the board’s executive committee. The first top executive of a United Methodist general agency from outside the United States, he will assume his new duties March 15.

Kemper has led the Board of Missions and Internal Church Cooperation of the United Methodist Germany Central Conference since 1998. He is also in his second four-year term as a director of the Board of Global Ministries and was a missionary in Brazil.

"Thomas Kemper is uniquely qualified and gifted for this position," said Bishop Bruce R. Ough of West Ohio, board president and co-chair of a search committee that presented his name to the agency's executive committee.

"His global perspective, missionary experience, sound Wesleyan theology, broad ecumenical involvement, and passion for Christ's mission will benefit the General Board of Global Ministries and the entire United Methodist Church as we advance our commitment to be a truly global movement."

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The new general secretary will succeed retired Bishop Joel N. Martínez, who took over the executive position on an interim basis last September after the Rev. Edward W. Paup resigned because of health concerns.

"Thomas Kemper lives the true Wesleyan values of personal and social holiness and is an inspiring person," said Bishop Rosemarie Wenner of Germany. "He reminds us of our Methodist identity: We are a mission movement, combining evangelism and social work.”


*Wright is an author and consultant to the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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Board of Global Ministries

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