KENSINGTON, Md. (ABP) — A 20-year-old network of gay-affirming Baptist churches has chosen a new leader.
Robin Lunn
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Robin Lunn, a church development coach and consultant and former pastor of churches in New Hampshire and Vermont, has been named executive director of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists.
Lunn has been a member of the association's board since 2000 and chair since June 2009.
The association, formed originally amid discussions of gays in the church in American Baptist Churches USA has grown to include individuals and churches from different backgrounds, including the Alliance of Baptists.
With new leadership, the group hopes to continue to grow, especially within more conservative Baptist communities.
"The hiring of Robin into this position allows AWAB to move with strength into the future," said Jill McCrory, the new chair of the board of directors. "Robin Lunn brings a deep passion and commitment to this work enhanced by a strong historic understanding of AWAB and an expansive vision for the future."
Lunn, who holds a master of divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School, called it "a very exciting time to be at the helm of an organization like AWAB."
"The cultural landscape is shifting and the opportunity to witness with, to and for LGBT Baptists is expanding every day," she said. "We are committed to the day when being an active member or clergy person of a Baptist church and being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered is not an oxymoron."
The association's former executive director, Ken Pennings, moved into a new role as director of community outreach in 2008. He resigned in 2009 after a combined four and a half years in the two positions.
The association's first national coordinator, Brenda Moulton, led the organization from its inception in the early 1990s until December 2003.
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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.