KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 9/15/26)— American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) Office of the General Secretary is joyfully inviting nominations for the 2027 Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award, an honor that celebrates an American Baptist whose outstanding service has advanced Christian unity and ecumenical work. The award will be presented during the 2027 ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit, June 10–13 in Rochester, New York.
This is an opportunity to celebrate an American Baptist whose leadership, ministry, and faithful service has strengthened relationships among Christians and advance the church’s shared witness. The award is presented every two years during the ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit.
The Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award was established in 1974 at the request of Edna Mowbray in memory of her late husband, Luke, and in recognition of their commitment to achieving Christian unity. Luke and Edna were faithful members of First Baptist Church in Pratt, Kansas, and dedicated American Baptists who helped other farmers during difficult times. Their legacy continues through this award, which honors outstanding contributions to ecumenical work and continues to shine their light on our collective work.
Who can be nominated?
The nominee must be a member of an American Baptist church and must have made an outstanding contribution to ecumenical work. Nominations may recognize individuals whose work has had an impact in their local community, across a state or region, nationally, or internationally.
A completed nomination includes:
- A nomination form
- A statement of no more than 1,000 words explaining how the nominee meets the award criteria
- Three supporting items, including a letter or statement from another person affirming the nomination, an article about the nominee’s ministry, and a sample of the nominee’s writing
Nominations are due on October 15, 2026.
The Committee on Christian Unity and Interfaith Relations will review nominations and select the 2027 recipient. Additional details about the nomination process and the Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award are available at www.abc-usa.org/luke-mowbray-ecumenical-award.
American Baptists are encouraged to take this opportunity to celebrate someone whose commitment to Christian unity reflects the spirit of Luke and Edna Mowbray and contributes to the church’s shared witness and mission. This award continues to honor their lives, light and legacy.
American Baptist Churches USA is a national network of approximately 5,000 congregations and 33 regions and other partners that serve together as a family of faith. American Baptist Churches are missional congregations that nurture devoted disciples of Jesus Christ who live their lives in mission and ministry for the healing of the world through the love of God.