Press Release for Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray Installation

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington (UUCB) is excited to announce the installation of its new Lead Minister, the Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, on March 30th. The installation formally celebrates UUCB’s recent calling of the Reverend Frederick-Gray as Lead Minister.

“UUCB could not be more excited about Reverend Frederick-Gray’s installation and her joining UUCB and the Bloomington community,” said Jane McLeod, President of UUCB’s Board of Directors. “Reverend Frederick-Gray's leadership at the national level on immigration and voting rights, as well as her experience and skill in building vibrant, justice-centered religious communities, are the perfect fit for our congregation and the wider community in these times.”

“The traditions and commitment of Unitarian-Universalists have long been to love all, to build community without walls, and to build bridges where others might prefer to build those walls,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson, who delivered greetings from the Bloomington community at Reverend Frederick-Gray’s installation. “Susan, you are welcome to Bloomington. We are honored to have you here. We look forward to your leadership. Leadership is an invitation to all who follow just to use the gifts they are given, and the gifts they are entrusted with, to improve our community. I know already, because I have met you, that you will provide such leadership well.”

Reverend Frederick-Gray was most recently the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist religious movement in the United States. She was the first woman elected to this position. Her presidency may be best remembered both for the leadership she and the UUA provided to congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic and for launching an enormous pro-democracy effort called UU the Vote, which resulted in Unitarian Universalists contacting over 3 million potential voters for the 2020 elections and has continued to reach millions of voters in succeeding elections.

“I am delighted to enter in the role as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington Lead Minister and join the Bloomington community,” said Reverend Frederick-Gray. “UUCB’s long history of social justice and fighting for the dignity of all people makes it a critical and powerful congregation and voice for justice in the Midwest.”

Prior to her role as UUA President, Reverend Frederick-Gray served the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix as their Lead Minister. During her ministry in Phoenix, she became a national voice within UUism for immigrant rights and played a critical role in the long-term campaign to end the constitutional violations of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray is a 2001 graduate from the Harvard Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree and first served as a minister at the First UU Church of Youngstown, OH.

About the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington (UUCB): Formed in 1949, the UUCB is a lively congregation of more than 500 members is a vibrant and accepting liberal religious community, celebrating diverse beliefs and supporting individual searches for truth and meaning. All are welcome and more information, including the schedule for Sunday services, can be found at www.uubloomington.org