Alliance of Baptists Embraces Transition with Listening and Racial Justice Focus

New president Lisa Dunson says the denomination is committed to deeper conversations on diversity and belonging within its congregations.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:48am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic church object repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the Alliance of Baptists' efforts to align its progressive identity with embodied practices of equity.The Alliance of Baptists embraces a season of transition and self-reflection, prioritizing listening and a deeper commitment to racial justice within its congregations.Richmond Today

The Alliance of Baptists, a progressive Baptist denomination, is undergoing a leadership transition following the departure of its co-directors. New board president Lisa Dunson says the Alliance will focus on listening to its congregations and addressing racial justice within the organization, which has historically struggled with diversity and representation in its local churches.

Why it matters

The Alliance of Baptists has long been known for its advocacy on issues like LGBTQ inclusion and congregational autonomy, but it now faces the challenge of aligning its progressive identity with more tangible practices of racial justice and diversity. This transition period will test whether the denomination can move beyond surface-level commitments and foster meaningful change within its own communities.

The details

Under Dunson's leadership, the Alliance is planning listening sessions at its upcoming annual gathering to hear directly from its member churches about their needs. The denomination has also been running a racial justice program called THRIVE, which has engaged many of its progressive, welcoming congregations. However, Dunson acknowledges the Alliance has fewer than five active Black churches, raising questions about who truly feels welcomed and represented in the fellowship.

  • The Alliance of Baptists' annual gathering is scheduled for April 2026 in Chicago.
  • The Alliance has been in a season of discernment following the departure of its co-directors.

The players

Lisa Dunson

The president of the Alliance of Baptists' board of directors, who is leading the denomination through this transition period.

Alliance of Baptists

A progressive Baptist denomination that has historically advocated for LGBTQ inclusion, justice work, and congregational autonomy.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to listen. We want to hear what our churches need in this moment.”

— Lisa Dunson, President, Alliance of Baptists

“The work in front of us is not just about who sits at the table in leadership. It's about who is in our congregations, who feels welcomed and who this fellowship is truly for.”

— Lisa Dunson, President, Alliance of Baptists

“Just like in 1987, we are continuing to say yes to our sense of God's movement through the church in our day.”

— Lisa Dunson, President, Alliance of Baptists

What’s next

The Alliance of Baptists will hold listening sessions at its annual gathering in April 2026 to hear directly from its member churches about their needs and priorities during this transition period.

The takeaway

The Alliance of Baptists' willingness to slow down, listen, and confront its own challenges around racial diversity and representation signals a denomination committed to aligning its progressive identity with tangible practices of justice and belonging. This transition period will test whether the Alliance can foster meaningful change within its own congregations.