(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – January 14, 2022)
The Baptist World Alliance will partner with Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, to host the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering, a strategic time for Baptists worldwide to gather for prayer, fellowship, learning, and planning together. Offered from July 10-15, the gathering will include an intentional focus on racial justice and the work of the BWA Racial Justice Action Group.
“After gathering virtually for the last two years, this Annual Gathering will be a historic moment centered on celebrating the work of the Lord through the BWA family in the midst of an ongoing worldwide pandemic, cultivating a deeper community of shared relationships, and calling all of us to pursue with renewed intentionality racial and ethnic justice,” said Elijah Brown, BWA General Secretary & CEO. “As many around the world continue to experience racism, ethnic tension, structured injustices, and extrajudicial violence, every element of this Annual Gathering is being designed to help us listen, learn, and lean into a biblical mandate to pursue justice and transformative peace.”
In addition to racial justice-focused plenaries, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Bible studies, regional ministry updates, and small group reflections developed by 14 BWA Commissions. With accommodations, dining, and programming centralized on the Samford University campus, participants will also have many opportunities for fellowship.
“We are pleased to partner with the Baptist World Alliance to host the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering and to share this community we love with the global Baptist family,” said Beck A. Taylor, Samford University President. “Here in the beauty of this place, we believe participants will be encouraged and equipped by the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect where so many have throughout history.”
In light of the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, the Annual Gathering will be offered as a hybrid event for the first time in BWA history. Utilizing a combination of digital technology, live streaming opportunities, and on-demand content, the event will seek to connect all attendees whether they are participating in-person or virtually.
“We are excited that this year’s Annual Gathering will be our first hybrid event. We look forward to meeting in person once again after multiple years of virtual meetings, but we are also working to provide virtual components for those that will not be able to join us in person,” said Carolina Mangieri, BWA Director of Global Events and Fellowship. “We pray that this time together will strengthen us as the global Baptist family in our mission to impact the world for Christ.”
To find out more about the 2022 BWA Annual Gathering or to register now, visit BaptistWorld.org/annual-gathering.
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