Real Stories. Real Faith. Real People.

Many Pieces, One Story

Discover compelling stories of faith, hope, and resilience from across Christian traditions

What is MOSAIC?

MOSAIC: An Ecumenical Storytelling Initiative stands at the heart of the NCC’s mission – uniquely weaving together ecumenism, advocacy, and action. Through the power of story, MOSAIC invites and inspires people of faith to live out a vibrant Christian witness that leads to meaningful engagement and transformative social change.

A mosaic is a piece of art made by arranging small colored pieces—stones, tiles, or glass—into a pattern or image. Each piece may be different, but together they tell a story.

The National Council of Churches (NCC) was born from diverse communions; when we come together, our visible unity creates a vibrant, living story.

Why Stories Matter

Stories are an irreducible human need. They foster mutual concern, belonging, and shared purpose rooted in Christian principles and the redemptive love of God.

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Member Communions

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People Represented

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Building Bridges Through Story

MOSAIC is an innovative project using storytelling to move beyond theological, cultural, social, and political barriers.

Our Approach

Our Campaigns

Our Reach

We're Inviting Stories That...

Inspire Discovery

Help people discover God’s love and promise of eternal life

Offer Hope

Bring hope for themselves and others

Encourage Service

Find ways to serve neighbors near and far

Foster Belonging

Experience connection and community

Five Years of Story

Faith on the Frontline

Launch MOSAIC by commemorating NCC’s history of direct action and its role in shaping social change. This first year focuses on telling the stories of NCC’s founding, formation, function, flourishing, and future during the 75th Anniversary celebration.

2025
Faith in Action

Lift up stories of everyday people putting faith into practice.

2026
Faith and Belonging

Focus on how faith fosters belonging, healing, and inclusion.

2027
Faith and Resilience

Center narratives of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

2028
Faith and the Future

Look ahead to what faith communities are building for generations to come.

2029

Meet Our Team

Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Founding Executive Director
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Rev. Dr. Sushama Austin-Connor

Program Director
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Malesha 'Mali' Taylor

Director of Storytelling and Documentaries
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Matthew Markay

Production Coordinator

Every Story Matters. Every Voice Counts.

Join us in creating a living mosaic of faith that inspires, connects, and transforms.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Founding Executive Director

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie serves as the President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, where she provides visionary leadership to unite Christian communions in advocacy, justice, and visible unity. As Founding Executive Director of the MOSAIC Storytelling Initiative, she brings her passion for faith, community, and storytelling to inspire connection, transformation, and collective action across the NCC’s 37 member communions.

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Rev. Dr. Sushama Austin-Connor

Program Director

The Rev. Dr. Sushama Austin-Connor is the Program Director for the MOSAIC Storytelling Initiative at the National Council of Churches. A longtime leader in continuing education and public ministry, she has served as Chief Program Officer and Acting Executive Director at Faith Matters Network and as Founding Program Director of the Black Theology and Leadership Institute at Princeton Theological Seminary. Earlier in her career, Sushama was a documentary filmmaker—an experience that continues to inspire her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and stories of faith. She is passionate about clergy and leader care, faith-based social justice, and community transformation, and also serves as chaplain at the Christina Seix Academy in Trenton, NJ. Sushama treasures life with her husband, Rob, and their two sons, Lekh and Rowan.

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Malesha 'Mali' Taylor

Director of Storytelling and Documentaries

Malesha (aka Mali Irene) Taylor is a vocal artist, TEDx Speaker, liberatory strategist, and producer who is excited to be a part of the NCC’s Mosaic Storytelling Initiative. She joins the Mosaic team with over 20 years of experience in arts and cultural planning, curation, and higher education.

She also served as Producer and Partnership Development Director with Sema Films, a faith-based film company serving progressive and justice-centered nonprofit organizations. Mali is the proud mother of three children and a member of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

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Matthew Markay

Production Coordinator

Matthew Markay is the Project Coordinator for the National Council of Churches in Washington, D.C., and the Production Coordinator for the MOSAIC Storytelling Initiative. He is passionate about bringing people of faith together to engage in advocacy and civic action, amplifying their voices on issues of justice.

A summa cum laude graduate of American University, Matthew is active in Christian student leadership and loves cooking, spending time with loved ones, and exploring the outdoors.