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Woman slated to lead Disciples of Christ: New president Sharon E. Watkins

Sharon E. Watkins, a longtime leader of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has received the nod as the 770,000-member church’s next president, which will make her the first female top executive of a mainline denomination.

Her nomination is expected to be approved by the Disciples’ General Assembly July 23-27 in Portland, Oregon, said a church spokesperson. She was unanimously approved as the nominee April 17 by the board of directors of the Indianapolis-based church.