The Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray began her six-year term as president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in June 2017. As president of the Association, she is responsible for administering staff and programs that serve its more than 1,000 member congregations. She also acts as principal spokesperson and minister-at-large for the UUA. Susan brings a strong focus on mission and strategic planning to her leadership at the UUA as it works to dismantle systems of white supremacy.
As president, Susan has emphasized that this is no time for a casual faith and no time to go it alone. She has represented the UUA in the 2017 Charlottesville protests against white nationalist violence, has worked in conjunction with the Poor People’s Campaign on issues of poverty, witnessed at the US-Mexico border for immigrant justice, and partnered with local advocates to expand voting rights in Florida. In addition to her regular column in “UU World,” Susan has written for “Vice,” “Sojourners,” and numerous local papers.
Prior to her election, she served as Lead Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona where she was a national voice for immigrant rights. Susan played a critical role in the long-term campaign to end the constitutional violations of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Susan is a life-long Unitarian Universalist with roots at Eliot Chapel in St. Louis, Missouri. During her time at Harvard Divinity School, she served as Student Minister of Religious Education at the Winchester Unitarian Society (1991-2001). Susan also served as Intern Minister and Sabbatical Minister at the First UU Church of Nashville, TN (2001-2003) and served for five years as Minister of the First UU Church of Youngstown, OH (2003-2008). Prior to ministry, Susan worked briefly in the field of genetic sequencing following her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Susan is married to the Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, a minister with dual fellowship with the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the Christian Church Disciples of Christ (DOC). They live in Cambridge, Massachusetts with their teenage son and family dog.
Service Video As we enter this season of holly days and holy days, we have an opportunity to draw our attention to what sustains us, to draw our attention to the sources of love and care and gratitude in our lives.
Faith in Unitarian Universalism isn’t just an intellectual exercise: it’s “heart” work. This full-length worship experience features a sermon by UUA President Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, as well as vibrant music, storytelling, and other worship elements that will help us to grow in spirit, in courage, and in generosity. Join us for this Stewardship Adventure.
