ABHMS executive director emeritus named co-executive director of New Baptist Covenant

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/30/19)—Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) executive director emeritus, has been named co-executive director of New Baptist Covenant (NBC), Washington, D.C.

Hannah McMahan has been the organization’s executive director for the past five years. Since its founding, NBC has sought to advance racial justice in and through the Baptist family by creating cross-cultural and multiracial partnerships. While serving as an example for these relationships by embracing the co-leadership model, Wright-Riggins and McMahan will oversee NBC’s administration and execute its mission.

“I am honored by this opportunity to serve alongside Hannah McMahan, who has led the New Baptist Covenant with wisdom, vision and grace since its inception,” said Wright-Riggins. “I look forward to our modeling creative and collaborative work, as we address the crucial issue of racial justice in our time.”

Wright-Riggins served as executive director of ABHMS for 24 years. He led the organization through a number of racial justice efforts, including establishing Space for Grace, a national conference that explores the role of the church in the work of racial justice. He served as pastor of one of the oldest and largest churches in South Central Los Angeles—Macedonia Baptist Church—from the mid-1980s to 1991. During that time, he also served as director of Peace With Justice for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where he bridged civil and human rights concerns between African-American and Euro-American communities.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Wright-Riggins to the New Baptist Covenant team and look forward to what we will accomplish together,” McMahan says. “Dr. Wright-Riggins has been a trusted advisor as a founding board member, and his wealth of experience and insight will be a great gift to New Baptist Covenant, as we continue to grow into our mission.”

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

 American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.