We are excited to see you in Evanston!
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 Annual Gathering of the Alliance of Baptists will be held April 16–19, 2026 at Lake Street Church of Evanston in Evanston, Illinois!
Lake Street Church is a powerful partner for our 2026 Gathering for many reasons. The congregation has been deeply involved in reparations and reconciliation work for over a decade and has officially served as a Sanctuary Church since 2014. Their unique and ongoing partnership with Second Baptist Church of Evanston offers a meaningful witness to what shared ministry, truth-telling, and antiracist solidarity can look like.
Evanston itself holds historical significance as the first U.S. city to implement a municipal reparations program, which launched in 2019 to address the lasting impacts of anti-Black housing discrimination. Today, it remains the most fully realized local reparations effort in the country.
Conveniently located just seven miles from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, a short walk from Lake Michigan, and an easy train ride from downtown Chicago via the Red Line, Lake Street Church offers both accessibility and a deeply rooted spiritual and justice-centered context for our time together.
To learn more about Lake Street Church of Evanston, visit their website. We also recommend these thoughtful reflections from Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf and Rev. Jillian Westerfield:
Repairing the Redlined Body of Christ
What Reparations is Costing My Church
Lake Street Church of Evanston, Second Baptist Church hold interfaith panel on reparations
More Details Coming Soon!
Details on lodging, schedule, speakers, and more will be coming soon. For now, mark your calendars for April 16–19, 2026, and plan to join your colleagues and friends from across the Alliance in Evanston!
Interested in Sponsoring AG26?
The Annual Gathering is never possible without our incredible sponsors. If you’re interested in learning more about how to sponsor the 2026 Annual Gathering, please email info@allianceofbaptists.org.
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