On December 7, 1972, the Rev. W. Sterling Cary was unanimously elected as the first Black president of the National Council of Churches (NCC), the largest ecumenical body in the United States. Prior to his election, Cary served as the administrator of the New York Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ (UCC). His presidency focused on integrating churches, uniting different denominations, and advocating for affordable housing and education. Cary was also a vocal critic of U.S. President Richard Nixon’s budget cuts to affordable housing and anti-poverty measures. His election marked a significant milestone in the NCC’s history, reflecting a commitment to racial equality and justice within the ecumenical movement.
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