ABOUT US
IS A MINISTRY!
Sacred Sisters
Our work is dedicated to supporting the growth of clergy and laywomen of African descent. Although this ministry began within The United Methodist Church, it now includes women from a variety of faith traditions. It was founded by Bishop Linda Lee, who has had a distinguished career in ministry and leadership. Through her vision, the organization continues to create spaces of support and empowerment. We provide opportunities for connection, mentoring, and leadership development that uplift the voices of Black women in the church. Our mission is to nurture growth while fostering a community grounded in faith, resilience, and service.
OUR VISION
Sacred Sisters is a ministry of clergy and lay women of African descent that provides an opportunity to build skills through retreats and peer learning groups.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to offer sacred silence, conversations, and holistic spiritual and wellness strategies for clergy and lay women of African descent.
OUR OFFICERS
The Sacred Sisters Design Team consists of clergy women and lay women of African descent committed to spiritual transformation, social justice, and community leadership within the United Methodist Church. The team members hold various leadership roles and bring extensive ministerial experience and dedication to their communities.
Bishop Linda Lee, the first African American woman elected bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church (2000), served the Michigan and Wisconsin Areas before becoming Bishop-in-Residence at Garrett Theological Seminary, where she founded the Sacred Sisters ministry for Black clergywomen. She and her husband, Lamarr V. Gibson, share a large family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bishop Linda Lee
Founder
An Elder in the West Ohio Conference since 2002, has served multiple congregations and currently leads Gaines UMC. Her passions include spiritual formation, social justice addressing racism and trauma, and combating the school-to-prison pipeline. She is President of the Sacred Sisters Design Team.
Rev. Paula Stewart
President
Serving as senior pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in Trenton, MI, Dr. Gay specializes in spiritual formation and leadership. She is Vice President of Sacred Sisters and chairs several committees in the Michigan Conference. She also leads educational trips and has military chaplaincy experience.
Rev. Dr. Tara Gay
Vice President
Retired Elder from West Ohio Conference, she served as a pastor for over 20 years and has held leadership roles addressing diversity and social justice. She is currently serving as President of Methodist Ministers Affiliation of Greater Toledo Area. She has been Secretary of the Sacred Sisters Design Team since 2015.
Rev. Waverly Earley
Secretary
Retired elder and former District Superintendent in the Northern Illinois Conference serves as Treasurer of the Design Team
Rev. Darneather
Murph-Heath
Treasurer
OUR TEAM
Rev. Dr, Neriah Boone retired Elder and coordinator of the Sister Connections
Rev. Dr. Neriah Boone
Sister Connection Leader
Rev. Marilyn Coney is retired clergy from East Ohio Conference and the retreat coordinator
Rev. Marilyn Coney
Retreat Coordinator
Rev. Andrea Davidson Elder serving in the New York Annual conference
![Andrea Davidson[54].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/485b51_9086f55a8a564ee9b00843af1622d231~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_147,w_1007,h_1003/fill/w_196,h_195,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Andrea%20Davidson%5B54%5D_JPG.jpg)
Rev. Andrea Davidson
Design Team Member
Rev. Ella H. DeDeaux serves at Trinity UMC in Mississippi Conference and historian.
Rev. Ella H. DeDeaux
Historian
Layperson Amania Drane supports Sacred Sisters as the grant liasion to African Clergywomen and works on strategic initiatives in Northern Illinois Conference.
![Amaina Drane[82].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/485b51_e0474df9aea341aebee8761db8cc9836~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_223,y_0,w_2626,h_2619/fill/w_195,h_195,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Amaina%20Drane%5B82%5D.jpg)
Amania Drane
African Clergywomen Grant Coordinator
Rev. Dr. Marva D. Usher-Kerr, serves in the New York Annual Conference and is the event Coordinator for the group
![Marva Usher-Kerr[93].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/485b51_8541e53b91dc4d588f217a867f9f6e5d~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_68,w_349,h_347/fill/w_196,h_195,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Marva%20Usher-Kerr%5B93%5D.jpg)
Rev. Dr. Marva D. Usher-Kerr
Event Coordinator
Rev. Betty Kiboko, born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and shaped by the rich traditions of the Basanga people, is serving in the Iowa Annual Conference.
Rev. Betty Kiboko
Director of Multicultural & Anti-Racism Ministries
Rev. Dr. Kabamba Kiboko, Ph.D. Lead Pastor Forest Chapel UMC
Rev, Dr. Kabamba Kiboko
African Clergy Liason
Rev. Dr. Pamela Sattiewhite is our communications coordinator.
Rev. Dr. Pamela Sattiewhite
Communications Coordinator