2016 Sunday Interdenominational Worship

Video

Rev. Amy Gopp keynoted our 2016 interdenominational worship service with a rousing sermon on the Gospel passage of the persistent widow.
 

 

Keynote Preacher

Rev. Amy Gopp, Vice President of External Relations, IMA World Health

The Rev. Amy Gopp is the Vice President of External Relations for IMA World Health, a global and ecumenical public health organization. Gopp is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with two decades of experience in faith-based relief and development. Previously, she served as the Director of Member Relations and Pastoral Care at Church World Service and as Executive Director of Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Disciples of Christ. A passionate global activist for girls and women’s rights, education and empowerment, Rev. Gopp is one of the key leaders of the interfaith “We Will Speak Out” U.S. coalition and campaign to end sexual and gender-based violence.

Through dynamic preaching, creative teaching and strategic leadership, Gopp urges God’s people to engage in compassionate service that imbues hope and empowerment for all. She received her BA in International Relations at the American University School of International Service in Washington, D.C. For many years she lived in the war-ridden former Yugoslavia with Mennonite Central Committee, serving as a peace activist aiming to relieve refugee concerns; to promote interfaith dialogue; and to provide education toward conflict resolution. Additionally, Gopp coordinated the award-winning Pontanima Interfaith Choir, based in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Gopp completed an M.A. in Conflict Resolution at Antioch University and an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 2005. She served as Associate Minister for Outreach at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Christian Church and as the United Nations liaison for Wider Church Ministries. She co-founded the Poverty Initiative, a New York City-based program equipping faith leaders to challenge oppressive economic structures that contribute to poverty in America. She serves her alma mater as Vice Chair of the Union Theological Seminary Board of Trustees.

Amy is a contributor and co-editor of Split Ticket: Independent Faith in a Time of Partisan Politics and Help and Hope: Disaster Preparedness and Response Tools for Congregations and the author of numerous articles and devotionals. She and her husband, eco-activist and artist Frédéric Vigne, live in Kent, Ohio, although they are frequently found traveling the world, singing in their living room, or cooking French meals.