Historic Leadership Changes at the Baptist World Alliance
In a groundbreaking move for the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), Lynn Green has been appointed as its first Vice Chair, marking the highest leadership position ever held by a woman within the organization. Green, who currently serves as the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), was elected during the BWA Global Council gathering in Brisbane, Australia.
This significant leadership change coincides with the appointment of Karl Johnson, former General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union, as the first Chair of the BWA. Both Green and Johnson will serve in their respective roles for a five-year term, signaling a shift in the BWA’s leadership structure from its previous model of a President and First Vice President.
Green’s new role as Vice Chair is voluntary, allowing her to maintain her position with the BUGB. Her involvement with the BWA will also extend to the General Council, Executive Committee, and Human Resources Committee.
On her election, Green expressed her enthusiasm, “It’s a tremendous honour to be called into this role. I am looking forward to establishing Christ-centred, Spirit-filled, collaborative relationships together as we seek to mirror godliness and provide governance for the BWA mission, vision, and impact in the world.” She also emphasized her desire to see more women and younger leaders thrive within the organization.
Karl Johnson, who previously served a five-year term as First Vice President of the BWA from 2020 to 2025, brings extensive experience to his new role. With a two-decade-long tenure as General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union and involvement in the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship and the World Council of Churches, Johnson stated, “I am convinced that the BWA is a Christian body that embraces the precepts and principles of the Triune God. This has been our witness and testimony since 1905 and that has made us one of the more consistently credible voices in the world as it relates to issues of evangelism, justice, equity, religious freedom, human dignity and flourishing.”
Johnson further shared his aspirations for his leadership, expressing hope for providing “missional, inspirational and transformational leadership, especially in the interest of the most overlooked and marginalised in the world.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
