Divinity School student to deliver opening sermon at UUA conference

Harvard Divinity School (HDS) student Angela Herrera ‘10 has been chosen by the Rev. William G. Sinkford of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to deliver the sermon for opening worship at the denomination’s annual general convention in Salt Lake City in June.

Herrera, a third-year master’s student, currently serves as student minister at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, Mass.

“Obviously, Bill [Sinkford] could have asked someone with a lot more experience and recognition in our denomination,” said Herrera. “I am really amazed and honored to have been invited to do this.”

Herrera will deliver the first-ever opening sermon, a new tradition for the annual general assembly.

“I am very nervous,” said Herrera. “But I am called to ministry because of a deep commitment to and love for people and for Unitarian Universalism, and I’m very excited … to share it with so many in my faith community, and to have a part in the annual gathering that nurtures our denomination and moves it forward.”

“Angela is one of those students who makes you know the church will be in good hands in the next generation,” said Dudley Rose, associate dean of ministry studies and lecturer at HDS.

“She’s smart, she’s agile, and she’s committed. Angela is an eager learner, and it has been a real pleasure to watch her realistic worries about navigating the shoals of ministry flower into an unassuming confidence.”

— Sarah Sweeney