Historic gathering of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Progressive National Baptist Convention in Nation’s Capitol

Progressive National Baptist Convention initiates Cross-Denominational Fellowship during 50th Anniversary Celebration August 7-12

 

Washington, DC – President Barack Obama is the scheduled keynote speaker at a black-tie gala honoring the leaders of more than a dozen African American religious organizations. The August 10th banquet is the highlight event of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. The gathering also will celebrate a first-of-its-kind fellowship among African American religious denominations.

“I have always had strong personal friendships and fellowships across denominational lines,” said PNBC president, Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, Sr. “To draw these leaders together in a more formal coalition is a blessing and a dream come true for me. We are honored that these powerful and anointed men of God are taking time from their extraordinarily busy schedules to join us.”

The PNBC, currently including more than 2,000 churches and 2.5 million believers globaly, split from the National Baptist Convention USA in 1961 to provide the denominational home for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Some 5,000 delegates are expected to attend the 50th Anniversary Annual Session August 7-12 at the Wardman Park Marriott,  Washington, DC.  The week’s activities include workshops, worship services and a special guest appearance by Gospel Recording Artist Tye Tribbett. The overall theme of the convention, “Securing Our Future Humility: A People of Fellowship”, along with the historic gathering of religious leaders is the first of myriad initiatives expected under Dr. Baltimore’s leadership. He was elected to a four-year term as PNBC’s 19th president in August 2010.

“As we celebrate our own history, we celebrate also the work of other denominations that stood at the forefront of political and social justice issues and that remain the foundation and centerpiece of the African American community ,” Dr. Baltimore said. “What better way to commemorate our presence as part of the rich history and landscape of this country than by coming together in the nation’s capitol where a Black man sits as President of the United States?”

For more information about the PNBC and the 50th Anniversary Annual Session, visit www.pnbc50.org