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.



