Nashville, TN – On August 5, Abingdon Press acquisitions editor Brian Sigmon will conclude his work with The United Methodist Publishing House and become the CEO of Friendship Press, the publishing arm of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
Friendship Press began its publishing efforts in 1935 and reactivated operations in 2018 after nearly 20 years of inactivity. Friendship Press also holds the copyrights for several Bible properties, including the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). Their mission is to be “a good news publisher to provide resources that nurture sacred wisdom, cultivate community, foster justice and promote peace for the welfare of humanity and the unity of creation.”
Over his decade-long tenure with Abingdon Press (the primary publishing imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House), Dr. Sigmon has been instrumental in the development and publication of works by Adam Hamilton, Magrey deVega, and Laceye Warner, among others. Since 2016 he has also served as editor of the Book of Discipline and the Daily Christian Advocate.
In announcing his new role at Friendship Press, he said, “I will always treasure my time at The United Methodist Publishing House. Since joining UMPH in 2014, I have learned a great deal and received so much support, and made invaluable friendships with colleagues, authors, and leaders throughout The United Methodist Church. Though I am excited for a new chapter and eager to lead Friendship Press, I am sad to be leaving UMPH.”
“Brian has made an enormous contribution to our ministry,” said Rev. Brian K. Milford, UMPH President & Publisher. “His academic training, alert sensitivity to the needs and interests of our readers, superior editorial and managerial skills, and an uncommon work ethic have made him an indispensable leader. We are certain that he will bring fresh approaches to conceiving and delivering new products through Friendship Press that address the aspirations and needs of thousands of lay and clergy readers.”
About The United Methodist Publishing House
Founded in 1789 as the Methodist Book Concern, The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) is a publisher and distributor of Christian resources for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders, with primary attention given to the needs of The United Methodist Church. UMPH is a fully self-supporting general agency of The United Methodist Church and receives no general church funds. Its primary publishing imprint is Abingdon Press (abingdonpress.com), and the retail and distribution operations are known as Cokesbury (cokesbury.com).
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