KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reverend Karl Baldwin Johnson of the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) has made history as the first person from the Caribbean to be elected president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).

Johnson was elected on Wednesday during the BWA’s 23rd Baptist World Congress taking place in Brisbane, Australia from July 7-12, 2025.

“The Jamaica Baptist Union gives thanks to God that in the election of the Rev Karl B Johnson as chair of the Baptist World Alliance Global Council, we continue an established pattern of outsized contributions to leadership in the global Baptist family,” stated Rev Dwight Fraser, president of the JBU.

Johnson currently serves as pastor of the Phillippo Baptist Church in Spanish Town, Jamaica and brings three decades of ministry experience to his new role. He was ordained in September 1992 and previously served as pastor of the Ulster Spring and Calvary Circuits of churches. He also served for 20 years as general secretary of the JBU, a position he held until 2021.

“We are also proud of our pastor, Reverend Karl B Johnson on being the first Caribbean national to be elected as president of the Baptist World Alliance. Rev Johnson comes to this office with a long track record of service and very high credentials. We are confident that he will serve with distinction. On behalf of the Phillippo Baptist Church family, I congratulate him wholeheartedly,” said Deacon Sylvester Tulloch, one of the pastoral assistants at Phillippo Baptist Church, in a statement following Johnson’s appointment.

Phillippo Baptist Church noted that Johnson is overwhelmed by the fact that God ordered and organised his life in such a way to lead him to this office. He also extended gratitude to his church community and family who helped him along the journey.