GA Moderator Rev. Jhony Montaño

On July 16, 2025, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church made history by electing Rev. Jhony Montaño as Moderator of the 194th General Assembly. A Colombian of African descent, Rev. Montaño is the first person of African ancestry from any country to be elected to this prominent leadership role in the denomination.

While previous moderators—including José Fajardo, Boyce Wallace, and Michele Gentry—have shared strong ties to Colombia, Rev. Montaño’s election marks a significant milestone in the church’s ongoing journey toward greater representation and inclusion. His selection underscores the growing global diversity of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and affirms the vital leadership emerging from its international communities.

Picture of Matthew Gore

Matthew Gore

Matthew H. Gore is a historian and journalist with a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the past. He holds a BA in History, a BA in Journalism, and an MA in History, all from Western Kentucky University, which honored him with their prestigious James H. Poteet Award. He also pursued doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky. Gore has contributed extensively to both academic and popular publications, specializing in religious history, particularly within the Cumberland Presbyterian tradition. He is best known for his book The History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Kentucky to 1988 (2000), and his work has also ranged widely, covering subjects as diverse as The Origin of Marvelman (a British superhero of the 1950s and 1960s), the relative scarcity of East German philatelics, and the biography of British pulp artist Denis McLoughlin. Gore has spent much of his career in service to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he holds key roles in communications, historical preservation, and publishing. Since 2018, he has served as editor of the Cumberland Presbyterian magazine for the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church A past president of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, Gore is widely recognized for his leadership in archival work and his passion for sharing the narratives of faith communities with broader audiences.
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