Baptist World Alliance

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Baptist World Alliance

Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 283 member bodies in 138 countries and territories. The meetings of the Alliance are called "Congresses".

John Newton Prestridge, editor of The Baptist Argus, at Louisville, Kentucky, in his publication in 1904, called for a world gathering of Baptists. John Howard Shakespeare, editor of The Baptist Times and Freeman, London, endorsed the proposal. In October 1904, the Baptist Union of Great Britain passed a resolution to invite a Congress to meet with them in July 1905. At the Congress, a committee w

as formed, which proposed a Constitution for a World Alliance. A Constitution was adopted, containing the following preamble: "Whereas, in the providence of God, the time has come when it seems fitting more fully to manifest the essential oneness in the Lord Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour of the Churches of the Baptist order and faith throughout the world, and to promote the spirit of fellowship, service and co-operation among them, while recognizing the independence of each particular church and not assuming the functions of any existing organization, it is agreed to form a Baptist World Alliance, extending over every part of the world." Membership was opened to "Any general Union, Convention or Association of Baptist Churches..." and it was decided that the Alliance would "...meet in general assembly ordinarily once in five years, unless otherwise determined by the Executive Committee..." Three leading personalities involved in the organisation included Prestridge, Shakespeare and Alexander MacLaren (who served as provisional President). World conflicts made it impossible to hold to a strict five-year plan, but BWA has held 20 Congresses: London,1905; Philadelphia, 1911; Stockholm, 1923; Toronto, 1928; Berlin, 1934; Atlanta, 1939; Copenhagen, 1947; Cleveland, 1950; London, 1955; Rio de Janeiro, 1960; Miami Beach, 1965; Tokyo, 1970; Stockholm, 1975; Toronto, 1980; Los Angeles, 1985; Seoul, 1990; Buenos Aires, 1995; Melbourne, 2000; Birmingham, England, 2005; Honolulu, 2010; Durban, 2015; Virtual, 2021; and scheduled for Brisbane in 2025. Currently, the Baptist World Alliance brings together 245 Baptist groups representing over 51 million baptized believers in more than 125 countries and territories. The group's stated goals are to: "(1) To Unite Baptists Worldwide; (2) To Lead in World Evangelization; (3) To Respond to People in Need; and (4) To Defend Human Rights." The Alliance is divided into six regional or geographical fellowships: North American Baptist Fellowship, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (formerly Asian Baptist Federation), All-Africa Baptist Fellowship, Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, Union of Baptists in Latin America, and European Baptist Federation. Each regional fellowship is served by an Executive Secretary.

09/07/2026

We are lifting our voices to God in prayer for Ghana and Nigeria this week. Let’s also pray for our Baptist family in these nations.

09/04/2026

The 2026 BWA Vulnerability Index highlights the challenging realities faced by Baptists in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries. 13.1 million Baptists—25% of the BWA’s 53 million Baptists—are living in countries experiencing the most significant levels of vulnerability. These are more than statistics. They represent our global Baptist family. Join us in praying for our sisters and brothers who are faithfully living and serving in challenging contexts. Learn more and explore the full 2026 BWA Vulnerability Index: BaptistWorld.org/vulnerability-index

09/03/2026

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 7 has left thousands dead, injured, and displaced. Baptists continue to respond, but the need remains great. Through BWAid, we can provide food, water, hygiene supplies, shelter support, and help restore affected communities.
To donate toward the relief efforts: bit.ly/ColombiaRelief

09/01/2026

This week, we’re lifting up Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo in prayer. Join the global Baptist family as we pray for these nations, their people, and our Baptist family serving across these countries.

08/29/2026

Help BWAid and our Baptist partners in Nepal as we assist with relief efforts due to the devastating floods. Give today at https://baptistworld.org/

A global network of 53 million Baptists in 138 countries and territories unified by a mission to impact the world for Christ.

08/27/2026

The Baptist World Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Ralph Douglas West as Ambassador for Preaching and Multiplying Congregations. Bringing more than 50 years of preaching experience and over 40 years of pastoral ministry, Ambassador West will serve as a volunteer leader providing pastoral presence, specialized expertise, and global representation in advancing this strategic ministry priority. His new role will focus on strengthening preachers, connecting churches, and inspiring a new generation of Baptists to disciple others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read more: BaptistWorld.org/news/bwa-celebrates-appointment-of-new-ambassador-for-preaching-and-multiplying-congregations/
Please join us in welcoming Ambassador West and praying for him as he begins this new ministry of global service.

08/26/2026

Pastor Juan Carlos Muñoz and Luz Stella Marmolejo experienced the fear and uncertainty of escaping the earthquake in Colombia. Yet, even in the midst of devastation, they found strength in their faith and the support of the Church. Watch their story and see how hope is still here.
Through the support of BWAid, local Baptist partners are serving affected communities, bringing practical help, compassion, and the hope of Christ. Pray and help support the ongoing response: bit.ly/ColombiaRelief

08/24/2026

The nations of The Gambia, Cabo Verde, and Senegal are in our prayers this week. Join us as we lift them up in prayer!

08/19/2026

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honour humanitarian workers and local partners serving communities in crisis. We give thanks for those who bring compassion, courage, and practical help to people in need. We are especially grateful for Baptist communities serving people affected by recent crises in Venezuela and Colombia. Learn more about BWA’s humanitarian work at BWAid.org.

08/18/2026

Ukraine will mark its 35th anniversary of Independence on August 24. Christians around the world are invited to unite in prayer for Ukraine in the midst of the ongoing suffering. Let us pray for this war to end, Ukraine’s future, and a just and lasting peace. For more information and prayer resources: prayforukraine.org.ua

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405 N Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
22046

Website

http://www.baptistworld.org/

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