NEW YORK – A former missionary with strong United Methodist roots in his native Germany and broad ecumenical and international experience is the new General-Secretary of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
Mr Thomas Kemper (above), a 53-year-old layman, was elected on 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 on March 15.
He 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.
Bishop Bruce R. Ough of West Ohio, board President and co-chairman of a search committee that presented his name to the agency’s Executive Committee, said: “Thomas Kemper is uniquely qualified and gifted for this position,” and added: “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.”
Mr Kemper will succeed retired Bishop Joel N. Martínez, who took over the top executive position on an interim basis last September after the Rev Edward W. Paup resigned because of health concerns. – United Methodist News Service.