After nineteen years as a World Church minister, including serving as one of the first female apostles from 1998 to 2005, Gail Mengel will retire Dec. 31 from full-time appointment. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to Gail for her leadership in various assignments during her tenure, including most recently as ecumenical and interfaith officer.

As ecumenical and interfaith officer, Gail opened many doors for Community of Christ to engage with faith partners in cooperative Christian and religious witness in the world. We will have an opportunity at the World Conference to provide a more-detailed recognition of Gail’s ministry.

Upon Gail’s retirement, Apostle Dale Luffman will assume the role of ecumenical and interfaith officer in addition to his apostolic assignment. Dale brings ample preparation and experience to this added responsibility. He already is well-known in various ecumenical and interfaith organizations. We look forward to Dale’s leadership as the church continues to increase its presence in various ecumenical and interfaith endeavors.

The First Presidency