Rev. Kevin R. Johnson has been elected as the new senior pastor at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City, writes Darren Sands for AP News.

Rev. Johnson is the founder of the independent Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia.

When he takes over as new senior pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church in mid-July, Johnson will be the official successor to the late Rev. Calvin O. Butts, who had served the church for about 50 years before his death in 2022.

Johnson had previously served under Butts as an intern and assistant pastor.

He described his new appointment as a sacred responsibility and a homecoming.

“Abyssinian is not just a church – it’s our spiritual home, and I’m honored to build upon its rich history,” Johnson said in a video message. “Together, we will advance God’s kingdom, serve our community by God’s grace, impact the world, and shape Abyssinian’s next glorious chapter.”

A graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta and holder of a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Johnson served two stints at Abyssinian before being called to Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Abyssinian was founded in 1808 and is considered by many to be the flagship of the Black church in America.

Read more about Rev. Kevin Johnson as he prepares for his new role in AP News.

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