Gene McAfee, M.Div.

After twelve years as pastor of Faith UCC in Richmond Heights, OH (an eastern suburb of Cleveland), I was granted a twelve-week sabbatical to interview people who knew the late Peter Gomes, preaching in Harvard’s Memorial Church, for a future biography (to be written by me or by someone else).  It was great being back in Cambridge, MA, and reconnecting with old friends.  I was honored to interview Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts 2007-2015, on Election Day, which, as we all know, turned surreal as it wore on.  I am finding new energy and focus in my preaching and pastoral care during these difficult days for a theologically progressive congregation like mine.  I continue to dean the lay education program for the Eastern Ohio and Western Reserve Associations of the Ohio Conference of the UCC, and hope that the new affiliation between YDS and Andover-Newton will be to everyone’s benefit.  The dog in the photo is Chloe, my beagle mix, the (current) great love of my life.