This summer, the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) is hosting two powerful breakfast gatherings at major Baptist events. These aren’t just meals—they’re sacred moments of connection, reflection, and movement-building. We’re honored to welcome two visionary faith leaders who embody the heart of inclusive ministry and prophetic justice.
We hope you’ll join us at one of these pivotal gatherings:
Rev. Paul Raushenbush
CBF General Assembly | June 25 | St. Louis, MO
Rev. Paul Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, a national voice for religious freedom and democracy. A Baptist minister and descendant of the Social Gospel movement—his great-grandfather was renowned theologian Walter Rauschenbusch—Rev. Raushenbush continues the legacy of faith in public life with prophetic clarity and courageous love.
With a rich background that includes serving as the founding editor of HuffPost Religion, Associate Dean of Religious Life at Princeton, and Senior Advisor for Public Affairs at Interfaith America, Rev. Raushenbush brings decades of experience engaging faith communities in justice and advocacy. His keynote will speak directly to the intersection of LGBTQ+ inclusion, religious liberty, and the urgent call for multi-faith solidarity in this pivotal moment for our nation.
Register for the CBF Breakfast:
https://www.cbf.net/general-assembly
Rev. Dr. Clifford Matthews, Jr.
ABCUSA Mission Summit | July 4 | Omaha, NE
Rev. Dr. Cliff Matthews, Jr. is Senior Pastor of AWAB member church St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, and a member of AWAB’s Board of Directors. A scholar, preacher, and social justice leader, Rev. Matthews recently completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Duke Divinity School. His dissertation, “Walking the Back of the Crocodile,” explores biblical interpretation for Queer members of the Black Church, confronting the weaponization of scripture and offering tools for liberation and healing.
Under his leadership, St. Luke has made historic strides in inclusion—opening the pulpit to women, ordaining women as deacons, launching an HIV/AIDS initiative, and establishing ministries that serve both local and international communities. His message is one of power, possibility, and transformation rooted in Black faith and LGBTQ+ liberation.
Register for the ABCUSA Breakfast:
https://www.abc-usa.org/2023/10/registration-now-open-for-the-2025-biennial-mission-summit
Whether you’re attending the CBF General Assembly or the ABCUSA Mission Summit, we invite you to pull up a chair and be fed—spiritually and literally—by these remarkable leaders.