Expanding the table: Global Ecumenical Partnerships launches to connect, equip and accompany God's mission together
Office in Interim Unified Agency brings together International and US-based global partnerships
LOUISVILLE — As the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Interim Unified Agency continues to take shape, Global Ecumenical Partnerships is bringing together staff and ministries to connect, equip, and accompany people in shared work and witness for God’s work in the world. Global Ecumenical Partnerships (GEP) officially launched in November 2025 as one of four work areas within the Interim Unified Agency.
Global Ecumenical Partnerships is committed to partnership, equity, faithful ministry rooted in presence, relational accompaniment and continued listening as we build forward. The office is led by the Rev. Carlton Johnson, director of Global Ecumenical Partnerships, and encompasses three foci: international partnerships, U.S. partnerships and the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
The office brings together staff members serving across the globe and throughout the United States as Global Ecumenical Liaisons. These liaisons work with constituents, including mid councils, congregations, new worshiping and diaspora communities, ethnic caucuses, mission networks, ecumenical partners and global partners such as local nonprofits and community-based connections to advance shared ministry.
The Rev. Cheryl Barnes is manager for U.S. Global Ecumenical Partnerships, leading a team of Global Ecumenical Liaisons working with the 16 synods of the PC(USA) and seven ethnic communities: African, Middle Eastern, Latino/a/é, Native American/Indigenous, African American, Korean and Asian. The U.S. team includes a mission specialist who supports the work of connecting and equipping congregations and mid councils.
The Rev. Ellen Sherby is manager for international Global Ecumenical Partnerships, leading a team of Global Ecumenical Liaisons serving Africa; Asia and the Pacific; the Middle East and Europe; and Latin America and the Caribbean. The international team also includes a mission specialist and works closely with staff supporting global partnerships.
The Presbyterian Hunger Program is now also part of Global Ecumenical Partnerships. PHP works to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes through relationships and partnerships. Under the management of the Rev. Rebecca Barnes, the program's seven staff members include associates working on international hunger concerns, national hunger concerns, sustainable living and Earth care, global engagement and resources, and communications and national partnerships.
Global Ecumenical Partnerships began emerging in April 2025 as our denomination responded to shifting financial realities and a changing global church landscape. The new model prioritizes locally discerned, partner-led initiatives. As this model evolved, GEP continued to serve, collaborate and support initiatives globally. In 2025, Global Ecumenical Partnerships distributed more than 100 grants totaling approximately $3 million to new worshiping and diaspora communities, global partners, ethnic caucuses, ecumenical partners and mission networks worldwide.
Grant-making represents just one way the office supports partner-led work shaped by local discernment. Global Ecumenical Liaisons connect and facilitate. They steward relationships across borders and ministries, helping constituents navigate resources and opportunities for collaboration. The liaison approach will not add layers of approval, replace existing relationships or initiate top-down programs. Instead, they work to ensure that shared witness follows relationships and that local wisdom guides decision-making.
Join the office of Global Ecumenical Partnerships in supporting ministry, humanitarian efforts and advocacy around the globe. Those interested can contact a Global Ecumenical Liaison, participate in PC(USA)-related mission or partner networks, or visit pcusa.org/gep for more information.
Check out Presbyterian News Service stories reflecting the connective and collaborative global partnerships as GEP evolved in 2025 in Africa, Central America, Egypt, Haiti, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, Southern Europe, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Access an organization chart of the Partnerships Beyond the PC(USA) area, including staffing information about Global Ecumenical Partnerships, here.
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