Baptist Union Presidency for Alex Afriyie
 

Baptists have discerned that the Revd Alex Afriyie will serve as our President in 2026-27 

Alex, the minister of London Network Church (East Acton Baptist), was one of four candidates in the latest election, the others being Charmaine Mhlanga, Jo Williams and Carl Smethurst. 

Voting took place in January and closed at the end of March. All candidates were subsequently informed of the result by General Secretary Lynn Green.

'When Lynn phoned and gave me the news about my presidency, I felt shocked, excited and nervous all at the same time,' said Alex.

'I was also surprised to immediately feel a sense of God’s presence come upon me for the task. I see it as a privilege to be asked to serve our movement and encourage us in our vision in ‘growing healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission’.  

'I want to express my thanks to London Baptists and Webnet for nominating me and for all those who voted for me and those who did not. My heart is to serve the whole of our movement.'

Alex has been the minister of London Network Church for more than 30 years, and is married to Dorcas with three grown up children. He also served as a director and moderator of London Baptists over a six-year period, and has been involved in Baptist Union Council and the Baptist Union leadership in various ways since about 2010. 

In his profile and video, Alex outlined his 'great passion for evangelism, discipleship and church growth'. 

In recent years he has been involved in the leadership of the London Turning. 'It has been a delight to see many people responding to the gospel on the streets and discipling people from many different backgrounds including former Muslims, the homeless, refugees and many Millennials and Gen Zs,' he said.  

Another important area is training and mentoring the next generation of leaders, and he is presently studying a masters in Transformational Leadership.

Alex's presidential theme is 'Walking Worthy'.

'I have a real desire to see renewal and revival in the UK and across our Baptist movement,' he said. 

'There are three ways I want to encourage us to “walk worthy of our calling” (Ephesians 4: 1) emphasised by the apostle Paul:

• Firstly, I want to encourage us to maintain the unity of the faith. 
• Secondly, I want to remind us to celebrate the unity of the faith in diversity. 
• Thirdly and finally, I want us to courageously speak truth in love.  

'In my presidential year I am really looking forward to travelling the country and seeing all the exciting things that God is doing through Baptist churches, Associations and colleges. 

'I also sense a responsibility to continue to call us as a Union and movement to ‘walk worthy’ of the calling we have received from God as a Bible-based and Spirit-led community. 

'I believe we are unique among the historical denominations in that we have a clear call to Bible-based evangelism, discipleship, mission, a believer’s church and believers’ baptism as well as calling the world to live in line with God’s justice.'

 

Alex will serve as President in 2026-27. Our current President (2024-25) is Steve Finamore, whose term ended at the 2025 Baptist Assembly in West Bromwich.

There were no presidential nominations for 2025-26, meaning the next 12 months following Steve is a fallow year. Alex will be inducted into the role at the 2026 Baptist Assembly. 

The President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain is elected annually. Their main role is as a communicator/facilitator of our Union’s vision and mission. The President travels around our Union, engaging with local churches, regional Associations and Colleges.