08/08/2026
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians gives thanks for the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams, one of our founders, a Co-Moderator of our board of directors, and a pioneer and leader for decades in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She died yesterday, August 7.
At the 213th General Assembly (2001), as it prepared to vote on opening ordination to LGBTQ people, Joanna addressed the Covenant Network luncheon in a speech that included these words: “Sooner or later, we must turn: turn from self-righteousness to humility, turn from living behind the fences that are built by human habit and move into the future that the barrier-breaking spirit of God is creating.” She called on the church to act decisively to open its ministries to all whom God called. (Her whole 2001 address is linked in the first comment.)
That General Assembly would go on to vote to eliminate the exclusionary language of G-6.0106b from the Book of Order, though it would be another decade before presbyteries would ratify the effort to make that inclusive change. When the PCUSA eventually opened that door, it was in part because of the leadership of leaders like Joanna, who channeled their immense compassion, their commitment to justice, and their deep love of the Church into relationships, conversations, and the hard work of transformation. I've heard already today from people who would say that they are ordained--and maybe even that they are still Christians--because of Joanna's work and witness.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a stronger and more faithful institution today because of Joanna Adams. Thanks be to God for a life well lived and for the life that is to come!
Joanna's memorial service will be September 4 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, and will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
--Rev. Brian Ellison, executive director
