Each year, the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists invites a respected religious scholar to lecture on subjects that align with and advance the association’s mission. AWAB is pleased to announce Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley as its special guest lecturer this year.

Rev. Dr. Crowley is a Lecturer in Ministry Studies at Harvard University’s Divinity School and the Senior Pastor of the Historic Myrtle Baptist Church in Newton, Massachusetts. He has recently published Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations and will lecture on “Black Queer Homiletics & Hermeneutics.”

The Lecture will take place on Monday, September 16, in Memorial Church at Harvard University. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Recognizing the significance of our location and proximity to so many of our member churches, AWAB has decided to host two additional social events as part of a regional gathering for members and friends in the New England area.

On Monday, September 16th, members and friends are invited to a historical tour of parts of the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, and the Equity Trail in Boston. The tour will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and is free, but registration is required.

On Tuesday, September 17th, AWAB will host a regional breakfast at Old Cambridge Baptist Church. Guests will have an in-person opportunity to connect with AWAB staff and board of director members. Breakfast is $5 per person.

Register and purchase your tickets here.