450 delegates from more than 50 countries have travelled to Accra, Ghana, for the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, which is taking place until 7 July.

The meetings have brought together commissions, committees, workgroups, as well as members of the BWA Executive Committee and General Council to engage in planning, worship, fellowship, and discussions on various topics of interest to the Baptist family.

This year forums have been scheduled to focus on issues as diverse as HIV and Aids, genocide, poverty, and missions.

Special groups will meet during the week, including 34 members of the Emerging Leaders Network, a group of mainly under-35 Baptist leaders from around the world.

A meeting of pastors of Global Impact Churches is also expected. Global Impact Churches are individual congregations that have become members of the BWA and make direct contributions to the BWA’s budget.

The annual conference will also see Christian professionals, denominational CEOs, mission leaders, and women in leadership also have meetings.

One highlight of the gathering will be a memorial and reconciliation service at the Slave Castle at Cape Coast on 5 July.

The area on the Cape Coast was one of the holding areas for captured or kidnapped Africans sent to the Americas during the dark days of the slave trade. The event is being held to help mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade across the British Empire.

Of major significance during the week is the election of a new General Secretary to succeed Denton Lotz, who retires in December after being General Secretary since 1988. Neville Callam from Jamaica is the sole nominee. The elections will take place on Friday 6 July.