Dr. Edith Guffey, MSW

Dr. Edith Guffey worked for the United Church of Christ for almost 30 years. A former officer of the denomination, she previously served as the Conference Minister of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, providing support for 60 churches in the two states. She retired from that role in October 2021 and now serves as a part-time Project Manager for the Southern California Nevada Conference

A born midwesterner, Edith knows the challenges of marginalized communities and understands the intersectionality of race and LGBTQI concerns. Over the years, she has been a voice in the faith community encouraging congregations and people of faith to practice hospitality and extend an extravagant welcome to LGBTQI persons. Edith is pleased that in 2017, while she served as Conference Minister,the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference formalized this welcome by voting that persons of all sexual orientations, races, genders and abilities are welcome, celebrated and invited to participate fully in the life of the Conference. Edith saw this as critically important in Kansas and Oklahoma where churches are often places of exclusion.

Edith has experience in conflict mediation, facilitating conversations on race and white privilege, and fundraising and organizational development. She previously served on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Affordable Housing Advisory Board both in Douglas County, Kansas, and as Chair of the United Church Funds, the investment entity for the United Church of Christ.

Edith has a Masters Degree from the University of Kansas, is married to Jerry, and has two adult children and one grandchild.