Virginia Interfaith Center adds Rev. Rodney Hunter as co-director

On April 19, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy voted its approval of the addition of the Rev. Rodney M. Hunter as co-director of the non-profit. Hunter, who is currently the pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Richmond, will join current Executive Director Ms. Kim Bobo in in the leadership role beginning May 1.

Hunter was ordained a full Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1984 while serving Leesville UMC. He’s served as pastor of Wesley   Memorial since 1986, taking retired status in 2012 but continuing to serve the church part-time. He has also been serving as a member of the VICPP Board.

Over the years Rev. Hunter has been very involved in community service. In the Virginia United Methodist Conference, he has served as chair of the District Council, Board of Discipleship, Churches in Transitional Communities, the Society of St. Andrews Gleaning Network and Home Reparation Project. Hunter has worked with the Parenting Is Basic Program through Richmond Public Schools, the Board of Richmond Habitat for Humanity, CARITAS, Richmond East Team Board, chair of the Richmond Juvenile court volunteer programs, coordinator of the SHARE Food Program for Richmond and vicinity, co-founder of the Jubilee Assistance Program – an alternative, low interest loan program for persons who otherwise would use predatory lenders.

Hunter also assists at the Richmond city jail, works with ACTS (Area Congregations Together in Service) to provide mortgage assistance to those in need, and serves as president of the Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Bobo came to direct the Virginia Interfaith Center in February 2016.

“Pastor Hunter and I bring complementary skills and will be able to reach a broader set of people,” said Bobo. “Plus, we already have genuine affection and respect for one another. I believe Rodney will mean great things for the Virginia Interfaith Center, especially in terms of outreach, pastoral connections and mentoring the staff.”

Since 1982, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy has been a way for persons of all faiths to advocate through the legislative process on social justice issues that are important to them. VICPP has focused primarily on issues of economic and racial justice. The organization is well respected and well known statewide as the largest faith-based economic and social justice organization.

Visit www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org to learn more about VICPP.