Press Release - RMN New Executive Director
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2003
For information, contact RMN Office: 773/736-5526

RMN (Chicago) - The Board of Directors for the Reconciling Ministry Network (RMN) announces the Reverend Troy G. Plummer as its new executive director. The announcement culminated a nine-month national search for who would lead the organization of 17,000 Reconciling United Methodists.

"We give thanks to God that we have been blessed with a talented leader like Troy whose vision and experience in ministry will help us shape the future of our Reconciling Network," said board chair Jeff Spelman on Oct. 18 from Chicago's International Conference Center.

Plummer will now move to the Chicago area to begin his tenure at Reconciling's national office.

"What a joy it is to become part of this vital, prophetic work," Plummer said. "I look forward to my role in challenging the UMC to fully welcome faithful gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender United Methodists in the Church's ministry."

A lifelong United Methodist, Plummer has ministered for more than ten years to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons through Bering Memorial UMC in Houston and its affiliated Bering Support Network, an outreach ministry to persons affected by HIV/AIDS. A licensed professional counselor, Plummer was most recently Bering's director of program ministries. He graduated from Houston Graduate School of Theology (MDiv) and the University of Houston (MS and BBA), and in 1991 was ordained in the Orthodox Catholic Church.

Plummer succeeds Cathy Knight, RMN Southern Outreach and Development Coordinator who served as acting director since October 2002.

"Cathy's leadership through the past year strengthened RMN incredibly, positioning it to move ahead with excitement and energy," said Spelman. "Every Reconciling United Methodist owes a debt of gratitude to Cathy for her dedication to RMN."

Plummer assumes the helm of RMN as it prepares for the United Methodist General Conference next April in Pittsburgh, continuing its witness against the church's lack of ministry and lack of welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends. At the General Conference, RMN will work with other progressive caucus organizations in a "Common Witness" calling the United Methodist denomination to greater racial justice, doctrinal openness, inclusivity, and interfaith dialogue.

CORNET LINK:
A Shower of Stoles: Troy Plummer, May 6, 2000
www.umaffirm.org/cornews/letroy.html