News & Mission Stories
News / Mission Story
ABHMS partner brings people of different faiths together to protect children’s welfare
VALLEY FORGE, PA (02/18/2026)—On the morning of September 11, 2001, a group of 400 Georgia religious leaders representing different faith traditions gathered for breakfast. Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, was the keynote speaker. She forcefully argued that people of faith must unite to advocate for all children across Georgia. As the leaders prepared to leave, news of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C reached them. Hearing it, everyone in the room committed to stay and work together for Georgia’s children.
Little Faith Gathering to explore welcoming children in shared worship and prayer
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 02/12/2025)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) will host the Little Faith Gathering, convening delegations from American Baptist churches across the United States and Puerto Rico for an in-person meeting of Best Practice Congregations, the initial cohort of the organization’s Nurturing Children Initiative (NCI). The event will take place February 13–15, 2026, at ABHMS’ Leadership and Mission Building in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
A pastoral lament for Minnesota
By Dr. Jeffrey Haggray
VALLEY FORGE, PA (01/26/2026)—My heart grieves the tragic deaths of Alex Jeffrey Pretti and Renee Nicole Goode. They were both law-abiding citizens killed while exercising their civic and moral duty, along with their constitutional rights to peacefully resist the ruthless conduct of federally appointed agents that were visibly violating the rights of their neighbors.
Anna Piela named editor of The Christian Citizen
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 01/23/2026)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, a talented scholar-minister and Polish immigrant whose life and work have bridged cultures, disciplines, and faith communities, is the new editor of The Christian Citizen. She succeeds Curtis Ramsey-Lucas, who served as editor for 20 years and oversaw the transition of the magazine from a print to a digital-first publication.
ABHMS Board of Directors welcomes new officers and members beginning Jan. 1, 2026
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 01/14/2026)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has announced new officers and two new members of its Board of Directors, all of whom officially assumed their roles on January 1, 2026. The elections and appointments were approved during the board’s November 2025 meeting, with the new leadership slate bringing a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives to the national mission organization.
2026 America for Christ Offering invites American Baptists to invest in hope and healing
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 01/08/2026)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has launched the 2026 America for Christ (AFC) Offering, an annual mission campaign that supports Christ-centered ministries serving communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.