FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Council of Churches today announced the Rev. Dr. Regina Henderson Moore as its new Executive Director, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, who is retiring after 11 years of leadership with the Council.
Moore will begin serving as Executive Director on October 1, 2026, bringing her experience in Christian advocacy, strategic planning, and global leadership to the statewide ecumenical organization.
“We are delighted to welcome Regina to lead the North Carolina Council of Churches,” said Frank Dew, Governing Board President. “Her experience, leadership and commitment to ecumenical ministry make her an excellent fit to guide the Council into its next chapter. We are grateful for Jennifer Copeland’s extraordinary leadership and excited about the future of this organization.”
Moore brings more than two decades of executive, pastoral, nonprofit, and faith-based leadership, with extensive experience in ecumenical engagement, public advocacy, organizational development, and community partnership. An ordained Elder in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, she currently serves as Executive Minister and CEO of the South Carolina Christian Action Council, where she leads a statewide ecumenical organization representing 14 judicatories and advances initiatives centered on peacemaking, justice, equity, and community engagement. Previously, Moore served as Associate General Secretary of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, leading an international team engaged in humanitarian initiatives in 108 countries, and as founding director of Duke University Chapel PathWays. She holds both the Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from Duke University Divinity School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University. Moore also serves on the Duke Divinity School Board of Visitors, further reflecting her longstanding commitment to theological education, leadership formation, and the Church’s public witness.
“It was in the Sandhills of North Carolina where I first experienced the waters of baptism,” said Moore. “Those waters set me on a journey of faith—a journey that has called me to confront the injustices of this world, equip all God’s people to know and experience the transforming power of God’s grace, and embrace the possibilities of hope in both the now and the not yet. I am humbled and ready to serve joyfully, building upon the uncompromising legacy of the North Carolina Council of Churches as, together, we seek to embody a faithful Christian witness in the public square.”
Founded in 1935, the North Carolina Council of Churches brings together 27 judicatories representing 19 denominations, along with congregations across the state to work together for a more just and compassionate North Carolina. Through its programs and partnerships, the Council works at the intersection of faith and issues including economic justice, health and well-being, environmental stewardship, democracy, equality and peace.
The leadership transition comes at an important time for the Council, as it continues to equip people and communities of faith to put their values into action across North Carolina.
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The North Carolina Council of Churches is a statewide ecumenical organization founded in 1935. We are people of faith working together to create a more just and equitable North Carolina for all. The Council comprises 27 distinct judicatories from 19 denominations. Across the state, our members have over 6,000 congregations. This gives us a unique platform to advocate for change and to build a more just North Carolina. We are committed to working on issues such as racial equity, farmworker rights, environment, LGBTQ+ rights, economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion, and peace. We believe that these issues are all interconnected and that we can only achieve true justice by addressing them all together. For more information about the Council’s 9-decade history, visit www.ncchurches.org. To stay up to date on progressive, faith-based news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
