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On November 9, the four United Church of Christ conferences in Pennsylvania each passed a motion requesting authorization from the UCC General Synod to merge into one entity. This step moves them closer to forming a new Keystone Conference, combining the Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast Conferences.
Following separate votes, conference representatives joined a Zoom call to share their results. "Cheers erupted in the Good Shepherd’s pews when the four PA Conference Ministers expressed their results through the Zoom call a little after noon!" reported Rev. Melissa A. Burkhart, moderator for Pennsylvania Southeast Conference.
The proposal received overwhelming support, with nearly or over 90% affirmative votes in each conference. Rev. Bonnie Bates of Penn Northeast noted the strong backing: "The overwhelming support for the Keystone Conference was evident in our meetings and the celebrations in each Conference."
However, leaders also acknowledged those who opposed the measure. The Penn Central Conference plans a vespers service on November 24 to offer space for those grieving the decision. Rev. David Ackerman of Penn West emphasized respect for all voters: "We sought to be respectful of all our voters...I pray that we will work together to hopefully witness a positive vote at Synod and a robust Keystone Conference beginning in 2026."
The concept of a combined Keystone Conference has been under discussion for about two years. Ackerman highlighted trust as crucial: “Together, We Are Stronger.” Bates added that trust has facilitated progress: "Our Keystone Working Group members have built a foundation on which we can move into the new Conference."
With unanimous approval from all four conferences, the motion will advance as a resolution to the Governance Committee of the UCC Board of Directors for voting at the 2025 General Synod in Kansas City.
Ackerman expressed optimism about future efforts: “We will have a lot of work to do...But we will need to be mindful of the challenges and opportunities that are ahead." He concluded with gratitude: “My heart is filled with gratitude for all four of our Conferences...I hope that General Synod both recognizes and celebrates this in July.”
