2024 PBA Missiological Conversation: Addressing a surge in authoritarianism at the intersection of faith and politics
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 04/17/2024)—The Philadelphia Baptist Association (PBA), in partnership with American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), is proud to announce the 2024 PBA Missiological Conversation on May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. EDT. Themed “Christian Belief + White Supremacy + Authoritarian Governance = Fascism,” this hybrid event for on-site and online participants will critically explore rising authoritarianism in certain faith-based communities and voting blocs across the nation as well as its wider implications for the church and American society.
Featuring two plenary sessions, multiple breakout groups and ample facilitated discussions, the Missiological Conversation aims to identify and address the historical and contemporary role of Christianity in shaping political ideologies, particularly among believers who lean toward or outright embrace authoritarianism and white supremacy underlying fascism. The focus will then shift to developing a countervailing response to the threat of fascism in the form of a more enlightened missiology for clergy and church members that promotes justice, equity and compassion.
The Rev. Dr. Willie D. François III, a theologian, author, seminary professor at New York Theological Seminary and pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey; and Dr. Kirsteen Kim, a global missiologist, theologian, author and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, will lead the conversation as plenary speakers and facilitators.
On-site participants will convene at ABHMS’ Leadership and Mission Building (LAMB), 1075 First Avenue, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with doors opening at approximately 8:15 a.m. Online attendees will use Zoom to live stream the proceedings.
Registration is now open. All attendees must sign up online using the provided form (or type abhms.org/2024PBAregistration into their browser address bar). On-site attendance is $50 per person (including lunch), with a registration cutoff of April 22. Online participants have until the morning of May 2 to register. Their fee is $20 per person.
For more information about the 2024 PBA Missiological Conversation, an event co-sponsored by the PBA Board of Directors, the Ministers Council of PBA and ABHMS, please contact Dr. James McJunkin, jemcjunkin@philadelphiabaptist.org, or Dr. Jill Bradway, jbradway@philadelphiabaptist.org, or visit philadelphiabaptist.org.
To learn more about ABHMS, please visit abhms.org.
The PBA is the oldest Baptist association in the United States, committed to advancing Christ’s mission through partnership, reflection, and active engagement in societal issues. The PBA Missiological Conversation is an annual event that invites PBA clergy to engage in profound dialogue, fostering a time of reflection, fellowship, and discernment of Christ’s call to mission work in today’s world.
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.
