J. Bennett Guess

The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess is director of communications for the United Church of Christ and executive director of the Office of Communication, the UCC's historic media justice organization. Guess -- a pastor, advocate and journalist for more than 20 years -- previously served as the UCC's news director and editor of United Church News, the denomination's national newspaper. Guess has received more than 70 awards and citations for his work. He chairs the news committee of the National Council of Churches Communication Commission. He is a member of the Religion Communicators Council, Associated Church Press and the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. In 1992, Guess co-founded the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. He is a former board member of the Kentucky ACLU and a former staff advocate for Planned Parenthood. In 1997, Guess received the UCC's national Just Peace Award. Guess is a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism. He completed graduate studies in public policy and administration at Western Kentucky University and Murray State University, while earning a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Chicago Theological Seminary.