Welcome to the United Methodist Union
The United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit is the missionary organization of the two Detroit districts of the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Through program support, capacity building, and developing new models of ministry, the Union works to strengthen and revitalize our congregations and mission agencies to serve their communities.
United Methodist Union Executive Director Announced
At the recommendation of the Search Committee of the United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit, on Saturday, May 9, 2009, the Board of Trustees approved the committee’s selection of Rev. Dr. William A. Ritter to the position of Executive Director. He has been serving as Interim Executive Director since December 1, 2008, after the unexpected passing of Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Christler.
Rev. Dr. William A. Ritter, or Bill as we know him, has been our colleague in ministry for more than 40 years. His pastoral record includes Dearborn: First, Livonia: Newburg, Farmington Hills: Nardin Park and Birmingham: First. He has served in an interim capacity at Livonia: Newburg, Fenton and Northville. A Detroit native, Bill was raised on the northwest side of the city and was a member of Westlawn United Methodist Church. His educational path traveled through Mackenzie High School (1958), Albion College (B.A., 1962) and Yale Divinity School (M.Div., 1965). Albion College awarded him an honorary D.D. in 1981.
Bill is known around the country as an extraordinary preacher and pastor. He has served and continues to serve the larger church in a variety of ways; a Trustee at Albion College, a visiting professor at Albion College, Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina and the Ecumenical Theological Seminary here in the city. He is the Mentor in Residence, a program created and sponsored by the United Methodist Union, designed to strengthen and equip pastors. He is also a published author, his most recent book, Take the Dimness of My Soul Away: Healing After a Loved One’s Suicide. But most important he is husband to Kris, a father to Julie, and a grandfather to Jacob.
Sincerely,
Rev. Jeffery D. Regan, Personnel Committee Chair
The Reports of the Executive Director
To read the Reports of the Executive Director click on the following links: