By Sandy Washington
The 2025 Annual Gathering of the Alliance of Baptists was held in Washington, D.C., at the beautiful Riverside DC Church at the Wharf, hosted by Rev. Mia Michelle McClain, Senior Pastor. This year’s Gathering was one of the most memorable to date. The central, compelling, and transformative theme of the Gathering—“I Met God and She’s a Black Woman: Womanism and Traditions of Resistance”—was both an educational and spiritual journey. We came together as a union of believers to engage in fellowship, prayer, and joyful communion, united in a powerful tradition that equips us with the wisdom to fight for the dignity of marginalized and oppressed communities. The attendees reflected the diversity of our nation, representing every shade of skin God has created. It was a weekend that made many of us pause and reflect deeply—sometimes uncomfortably so.
The Annual Gathering Praise Team set the tone, inviting the presence of the Mother of Wisdom to abide with us. From the moment the meeting was opened by Co-Director Elijah Zehyoue and President Lisa Dunson, there was a palpable sense of excitement, high expectation, and confidence that God—and Her Spirit—was in our midst. We gathered around the work of justice and liberation, sharing tools and encouragement that urged us to go forth, stand up, and demand that everyone has a seat at the table. The Reverend Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes delivered a powerful and stirring sermon on loyalty and love, as demonstrated in the relationship between the biblical women Naomi and Ruth: “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay.” Dr. Wilkes moved all who were present with her divine message. I left her sermon convinced that God can use every one of us for Her purpose, regardless of our background.
Dr. Wil Gafney, Episcopal priest and professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School, led a masterclass on Womanist theology and biblical interpretation. As a leading voice in Womanist theological translation, she approaches scripture through the lived experiences and voices of Black women. She challenges the patriarchal, androcentric, and white supremacist frameworks that have historically shaped biblical translation and theology. She does her translation work as a feminist, a Womanist, and a Black woman who treasures the liturgy denied to so many of her ancestors. Dr. Gafney’s keynote, “Naming, Numbering, Translating God: Womanist Biblical Interpretation,” was stimulating, thought-provoking, and deeply illuminating. She reminded us that the name is the essence of God—and that masculine language has long dominated scripture. She broadens the God-language to make women and girls visible in sacred expressions where they have long been erased. Dr. Gafney reminded us that God is faithful and listens—even when we mispronounce Her name or attempt to speak a name so holy that not even Jesus tried to utter it when He said, “I Am.” I left with a deeper understanding and an indelible memory of the feminine names of God. For Dr. Gafney, “wading into the Word with a womanist translation matters.”
Dr. Christena Cleveland—social psychologist, author, and activist—offered an outstanding presentation under the theme, “I Met God and She is a Black Woman.” Embracing the archetype of the Black Madonna, Dr. Cleveland shared insights from her book God Is a Black Woman. Known for her work on race, gender, and reconciliation in religious spaces, she explored how patriarchy and white supremacy have shaped our images of God—and how embracing a liberating image like the Black Madonna can bring spiritual healing and empowerment. She challenged white male authoritarianism and spoke of liberation through Black feminist theology. Dr. Cleveland spoke of her journeys across countries to see the Black Madonna revered in homes, cities, and churches around the world.
Time of Reflection was a powerful and sacred moment. Attendees met in small groups for quiet contemplation, bringing to consciousness questions, thoughts, and feelings sparked by the presentations. In today’s political climate, the forces of Empire are causing immense distress for women—especially Black women, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and Black and Brown communities. Participants shared the wisdom and tools they gained and how they plan to walk in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us. This was an emotionally resonant and deeply spiritual point in the weekend.
We were blessed to welcome two of our International Partners:
● Reverend Dr. Muno Chirovamavi from Zimbabwe Theological Seminary
● Señora Santiago Delgado from Iglesias Bautista de Cuba
In Señora Santiago’s words, “Cuba is a Caribbean island in the Gulf of Mexico.”
At the Alliance, we believe we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. In that spirit, we continue to support many international partners across the globe: Mexico, Kenya, Cuba, Liberia, the Republic of Georgia, Brazil, Uganda, and more. Their words were inspiring and reminded us of the difference we are making. With God’s blessings, we will continue to do so.
High praise is due to Co-Directors Carol Collins and Elijah Zehyoue for doing a phenomenal job in planning and executing such an exceptional, standard-setting Gathering. The entire staff deserves appreciation for creating a space of radical welcome and inclusion.
Neither time nor space can fully capture everything that moved me. The preaching, the small group leaders, and the shared experiences all wove together into a magnificent whole. It was truly a transformative Gathering.
It is a blessing to be part of the Alliance of Baptists. Connecting with like-minded people in the spirit of justice and care gives deep meaning to my life. I lean into being part of this non-traditional Baptist organization that encourages its members to walk in the way of radical love, peace, justice, equity, resistance, and liberation. We have shed light on the lived experiences of Black women and disrupted complacency with prophetic justice and holy imagination.
Sandy Washington serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance as Development Committee Chair. She lives in Dallas, Texas, where she is a member of Royal Lane Baptist Church.
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