Rev. Diane Kessler ’71

An ordained United Church of Christ minister, Rev. Kessler was for 32 years the Executive of the Massachusetts Council of Churches until her retirement in 2007. She received Andover Newton’s Spirit of the Hill Award in 2006, the first year of its awarding. Praised by archbishops and laity alike for her skill and passion in bringing churches together in common witness, Diane exemplifies Andover Newton’s ecumenical spirit.

In addition to her MA leadership, she was active as well with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and the World Council of Churches.  She is a recipient of the Avery D. Post Ecumenical Award from the United Church of Christ and the co-author, with Dr. Michael Kinnamon, of Councils of Churches and the Ecumenical Vision (WCC, 2000).

In 1998 she was the official recorder of the 8th Assembly of the World Council of Churches and the editor of the assembly report, Together on the Way. In 2001, she received an honorary DD from Episcopal Divinity School.  In her retirement she continues to be active in ecumenical leadership.