Amy Gall Ritchie and Gilbert Romero Jr. Nominated for 2026 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Leadership

Amy Gall Ritchie and Gilbert Romero Jr. have been nominated to lead the ballot for the 2026 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, set to take place in Fort Wayne, Ind., from June 28 to July 2. The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates has presented their names for consideration, with complete biographical details available online and in the Conference booklet.

Amy Gall Ritchie, based at Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., serves as an associate pastor of Pastoral Care and Faith Formation. She is also a spiritual director and founder of the Persimmon Studio. Ritchie has held various roles within the Church of the Brethren, including director of Student Development at Bethany Theological Seminary and participation in Annual Conference worship planning. On the district level, she has contributed to the district board, served as clerk, and been part of the district ministry commission. Her congregational involvement includes serving as church board chair and Sunday school teacher.

Ritchie’s intercultural experience includes a student pastorate at the former Iglesia de los Hermanos de Rio Prieto in Puerto Rico. She has also worked with the Brethren Volunteer Service, providing support in a home for families affected by domestic violence and serving on a domestic abuse shelter coalition board. Her pastorate in Michigan offered opportunities to engage with and support immigrant communities.

Gilbert Romero Jr., representing Glendora (Calif.) Church of the Brethren in the Pacific Southwest District, is a pastor, music leader, prison chaplain, and leader in Bittersweet Ministries and the Bittersweet Gospel Band. He is actively involved in the Los Angeles Skid Row ministry. On the denominational level, Romero has served on the Mission and Ministry Board and former General Board, contributed to Annual Conference committees, and preached at various conferences. His work with congregations in Mexico highlights his commitment to international mission efforts.

Romero has also played a key role on the district level, serving on the district board and ministry commission. He has coordinated Spanish Ministry Training programs through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and volunteered at Camp La Verne in southern California. His leadership extends to workcamps in Tijuana, Mexico, reflecting his dedication to community service and cross-cultural ministry.

Both nominees bring a wealth of experience in pastoral care, music, and community outreach. Their roles reflect the Church of the Brethren’s emphasis on service, justice, and spiritual formation. As they prepare to lead the 2026 Annual Conference, their backgrounds underscore the denomination’s commitment to addressing social issues and fostering inclusive ministry. Their nominations align with the Church of the Brethren’s values of mercy, accountability, and neighbor-love, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

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