In Loving Memory of Rev. Derek Terry
By UCC Coalition | August 10, 2026
Dear ONA Family,
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we send out this announcement that our Executive Director, Rev. Derek A. Terry, passed away over the weekend. Rev. Derek had been involved in Coalition leadership for many years and our organization and movement have been made stronger and deeper because of his ministry. He lightened the burden of most everyone he met and his creativity, genuine love, and faithful spirit will not be forgotten.
Please read below a “joint statement from United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, and the Open and Affirming Coalition Board Chair, the Rev. Kevin E. Tindell on the untimely passing of the Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition.
We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our sibling Rev. Derek Terry and offer condolences to his family, his congregation, and the community that supported and loved him. An incomparable and fearless leader, Rev. Terry, touched the lives of everyone he encountered throughout his ministry in the United Church of Christ, and as the Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition.
Rev. Terry brought to his calling a powerful voice to conversations on civil rights, racial and social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, income inequality, body positivity, and courageous living. His preaching and teachings called people to deeper compassion, creative resistance, and a more inclusive vision of the church. His big heart, warm spirit, and passion for bringing justice to the world will be missed by all who knew, worked alongside, and partnered with him in the struggle. Rev. Terry’s passing is a devastating loss to many for whom he was family, friend, mentor, and confidant.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Terry family, the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, where Rev. Terry served as pastor, the ONA Coalition, the many colleagues who had the pleasure of working alongside Rev. Terry, and all the lives of those he touched along the way.
Details about celebrations honoring the life of Rev. Terry are pending and will be shared when they become available.
Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister and President/CEO
United Church of Christ
Rev. Kevin E. Tindell
Board Chair of the Open and Affirming Coalition”
To read this statement on ucc.org, please click here.
Please hold the ONA Coalition staff and Leadership Team in your prayers as we all also pray for Rev. Derek’s family, friends, and extensive church family.
In grief and gratitude,
ONA Coalition Staff and LT
