Between September 19th and 21st, 2021, the AWAB board and staff convened for their annual retreat, held this year at the Berkeley School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. A virtual option was provided for those unable to attend in person.

The Board completed a number of activities that pertained to envisioning how AWAB will continue to provide support and resources to both churches and individuals who are welcoming and affirming. These activities were led by the Rev. Dr. Don Ng, former pastor of Chinese Baptist Church in San Francisco, CA and past president of American Baptist Churches USA. AWAB and its board are grateful for the leadership and presence of Rev. Dr. Ng during its retreat. More will be presented soon regarding the future work and ministry of AWAB as it pertains to the work completed at the retreat.

AWAB also welcomed into its fellowship of churches three new congregations: the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, CA; Cedarbridge Baptist Church in Greenville, NC; and the Church at Ponce & Highland in Atlanta, GA. AWAB is excited to welcome these congregations into fellowship and looks forward to continued growth of welcoming and affirming ministries across the Baptist spectrum.