2025 Governing Board Candidates Announced
The Governing Board Nominating Committee members are pleased to announce the completion of an extended process to seek suitable candidates for the two (2) laity and two (2) clergy person positions up for election at General Conference 2025.
While the candidates offered are the same as the number of positions, we are certain these are suitable candidates and confidently offer this slate:
Lay Candidates
James Chavis, MCC San Antonio, Texas USA
Charlotte West, Northern Lights MCC, Newcastle UK
Clergy Candidates
Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida USA
Rev. Renae Phillips, Venice, Florida USA
Candidate photos and biographies are below. Candidate videos will be available in the Business Pack in readiness for the General Conference
I wish to thank Rhick Deuel Esteves, (Philippines), and Kellie Taylor White (USA) for their skill, wisdom and commitment to early morning and late night meetings given the sixteen hour time zone between us. Thanks also to Clare Coughlin, Governance Committee, for her input.
Rev. Paul Whiting (UK)
GBNC Chair
James Chavis, MCC San Antonio, Texas USA
Originally from New Jersey, James grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was ordained as an Elder, leading the youth for just over three years. In addition, he served on the church board serving a congregation of more than 500 members.
Upon moving to Texas USA in 2003, James attended various MCC churches in Dallas and Fort Worth. Finally settling down in San Antonio, he found his church home at MCC San Antonio. In 2014, he became a member and began serving in the choir and helping in other ministries in the church. James was appointed to the church board in 2015, still continuing to serve, he has held the position of risk manager, and now vice moderator.
James brings various levels of work experience including business and human resources. Currently working in education with over 20 years experience, James has been a Teacher, Counselor, Coordinator, Director, Assistant Superintendent and now Superintendent of a charter school district. He currently holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Park University.
Charlotte West, Northern Lights MCC, Newcastle UK
Charlotte West was born and brought up in the UK and has attended church for most of her life. She attended a brethren church whilst growing up. When she went to university, she attended a house church and then an Anglican. She has also attended a Baptist and then another Anglican before coming to MCC. Whilst at the Anglican, she was a member of the Church Council and helped the treasurer and lead the building Fund managing raising funds including grants.She worked for the National Health Service as a GP Practice Manager during the COVID-19 Pandemic before retiring in 2021.
Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida USA
Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey is currently a hospice chaplain in Florida, USA. Marie was ordained a pastor in 2016. She earned her Master of Divinity at Episcopal Divinity School in 2010. She also holds a Master of Arts in French. Marie’s career has always focused on social justice. As a high school teacher for 20 years, she supported LGBTQIA students by helping them to form a Gay-Straight Alliance. After seminary, Marie worked for and then was president and CEO of a national non-profit that worked in the areas of sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society. As a pastor, Marie participated, with congregants, in rallies at the capitol of Florida and in justice work with the local LGBTQ community center. In her current role, Marie supports patients and families at the end of life and continues to be active in social justice causes.
Rev. Renae Phillips, Venice, Florida USA
Rev. Renae Phillips has served as clergy in Metropolitan Community Churches since 1989. She was the Senior Pastor of MCC of Lubbock, Texas for 23 years. After moving to Florida in 2016, she served as Volunteer Clergy with SunCoast MCC, as the Transitional Pastor of Church of the Trinity MCC, and the Interim Pastor of King of Peace in St. Petersburg. Rev. Phillips has served on various committees such as the Board of Ordained Ministry, the South Central District Committee, and currently as a Mentor in the Thriving in Ministry Program.
She lives in Venice, FL with Terrie, her spouse of 33 years, and their cat, Gracie.