Rev. Summerville Takes Leadership at Baptist Peace Fellowship
Rev. William Moses Summerville has made history as the first Black executive director of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA). He stepped into the role on June 1, 2025, becoming only the fifth person to lead the organization in its 44-year history.
A resident of Long Beach, California, Rev. Summerville brings decades of spiritual service to his new position. He says he’s focused on teaching people how to understand politics, demand peace, and build justice-centered communities.
Pushing for Peace and Real Black Progress
The BPFNA serves over 4,000 members across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Africa. Its mission is to promote peace, justice, and inclusion—values that line up perfectly with Summerville’s lifelong work.
“I’m not just a Black face in a high place,” he said. “I’m going to push for real Black progress.” He also believes the church has a duty to fight racism and violence. “We’re here to dismantle white nationalistic theology,” he added. “It’s not Christian, and it’s not evangelical.”
Faith, Justice, and a Life of Service
Summerville’s spiritual journey began in Urbana, Illinois, at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. He was saved, baptized, and later called to ministry. After attending seminary, he served as an Air Force Reserve chaplain, youth minister, and hospital chaplain.
He is also the founding pastor of Kingdom Come Community Church and has offered spiritual care in hospitals and churches throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. His entire career has focused on helping people heal, grow, and fight injustice.
Guided by Legacy and Prepared by Experience
Summerville’s parents grew up in the segregated South and were often among the first to integrate schools and businesses. “They trained me for this,” he said. “I’m grateful for the lineage and legacy of my parents, Willie T. and Valerian Summerville.”
He doesn’t downplay the struggle. Becoming BPFNA’s director wasn’t easy. “It is and was a fight,” he shared. “Change is hard. But people are sincere. People do care.”
Calling the Church to Act Against War and Injustice
Rev. Summerville believes that churches can’t stay silent. “When it comes to the Black church, there’s really no separation between church and state,” he explained. “Our spiritual expression demands liberation and freedom.”
He urges churchgoers and leaders to stop supporting war and military budgets. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” he said, quoting scripture. To truly promote peace, both Republicans and Democrats must stop glorifying violence, he added.
Working Toward a Lasting Peace
Rev. Summerville hopes his leadership at BPFNA will inspire others to speak up and take action. He wants more people to join justice-focused organizations, educate themselves on politics, and push for change.
“God has called me for such a time as this,” he said. And with his faith, history, and voice, Rev. Summerville plans to lead with purpose.
