The National Council of Churches USA's Governing Board will appoint an interim general secretary on January 20 in the wake of the health-related resignation of Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon at the end of 2011.

Until the new appointment is made, leadership duties will be assumed by Clare Chapman, Deputy General Secretary and General, according to NCC News.

Kinnamon told the Governing Board of his decision at its November 2011 meeting, citing advice from his cardiologist warning that the travel and other work-related demands would harm his health.

Kinnamon will continue to work in the ecumenical and theological fields as a writer and teacher, according to NCC News.

Prior to his General Secretary Duties, Kinnamon served as the Council's chair of its Justice and Advocacy Commission from 2004-2007. He had also chaired the Council's Ecclesiology Study Task Force from 1993 to 1997.

He served general secretary of the Consultation on Church Union, which became Churches United in Christ, from 1999 to 2002, according to NCC News.

He also served from 1980 to 1983 on the WCC's Commission on Faith and Order.

Among more recent academic service, Kinnamon was a professor at Eden Theological Seminary from 2007-2007, a professor at Lexington, Ky., Theological Seminary from 1998 to 200 and as dean of the seminary from 1988 to 1998.