For Immediate Release: May 10, 2018
Contact: Erin Williams, 202-748-0699
Faith In Action Congratulates Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, New President of the Alliance of Baptists Board of Directors and First African American In This Position
Washington – The faith-based national network Faith in Action (formerly known as PICO National Network), congratulated their colleague Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, who was recently named president of the Alliance of Baptists’ Board of Directors. Rev. Mathews serves as the Director of Clergy Organizing for Faith in Action. He is the first African-American to be named to this position with the Alliance of Baptists.
A prophetic voice in Baptist life, the Alliance of Baptists welcomes all genders, sexual orientations, theological beliefs, and ministry practices. The Alliance of Baptists combines progressive inquiry, contemplative prayer, and prophetic action to create justice and healing in today’s world.
“I am honored to lead such an organization that I consider family,” said Rev. Mathews. “The Alliance is committed to making spaces for people to find connection and support, and I am looking forward to continuing to advance a progressive and inclusive racial justice agenda. As with Faith In Action, I can further connect with spiritual leaders and help foster a circle of inclusivity.”
“We are pleased that the Alliance of Baptists is embracing the unique leader that Michael-Ray is,” said Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director of Faith In Action. “They are empowering him to continue his spiritual work, and to fight for social justice and equality in the church.”
Mathews has more than three decades of ministry leadership experience and community organizing experience. He has worked with Faith In Action for more than a decade, first as Director of Outreach and Recruitment. He has been in his current role for the past six years. Additionally, he is the host of the Prophetic Resistance Podcast, an inaugural member of the Auburn Seminary Senior Fellows program, and is the co-editor of the book Trouble the Water, which is centered on racial justice and multiculturalism for congregations. He has been an Alliance of Baptists member for 17 years and has served as a board member in previous years. He will assume this role, a two-year position, effective immediately.
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Faith in Action (Formerly PICO National Network) is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. FIA works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 60 local and state federations. Learn more at www.faithinaction.org.
