Choosing another young minister to head their organization, the Baptist Ministers Conference (BMC) of Los Angeles and Southern California elected the Rev. K.W. Tulloss as president on Jan. 14.
He succeeds the Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, the pastor of Southern St. Paul Baptist Church in Los Angeles who stepped down in May 2018 after a five-year tenure as the youngest president in BMC’s history. For the past seven months, the Rev. L.A. Kessee, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church of West Los Angeles, has served as interim president.
Tulloss, who is the pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, has been active in the BMC for many years, serving most recently as a BMC vice president. Now, as the new BMC president, he said he’s looking forward to continuing the 100-year-old organization’s spiritual emphasis, ecumenical outreach and social justice platforms.
“I’m so excited about the future of the Baptist conference. This is a great opportunity to continue to highlight the many happenings within the Baptist church community. So many of our efforts have gone unnoticed,” said Tulloss.
“The conference will continue to serve as a preparation institute that will focus on building the capacity of pastors and ministers. We have an exciting agenda that’s going to help preserve and build on the foundation that was laid by our previous leadership. I expect great things with God help from the Baptist Ministers Conference,” he added.
His presidential installation will be held on Monday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, which is the site of the BMC’s regular monthly meetings. Considering Tulloss’ long involvement in the faith-based, social services and political arenas, several religious leaders, community activists and elected officials are expected to participate in the celebration.
In addition to serving the last 11 years as pastor of Weller Street, Tulloss has played key roles in many campaigns that captured local and national headlines. He organized demonstrations and town halls addressing issues including racist remarks by former Clipper’ owner, Donald Sterling, and the lack of diversity in both movie productions and the Academy Awards.
Tulloss’s involvement led to an invitation to speak at the celebration of the 50th year anniversary of the March on Washington in D.C. in 2013. Three years later, his photo was hung in the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of an exhibit on activism in Los Angeles.
While a board member of Watts Learning Center Charter School, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as well as many other organizations, Tulloss said he will still devote maximum efforts to the BMC.
“The Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California is one of the largest ministers conference in the world. Our history is rich with achievements that have transformed our city and church communities,” said Tulloss.
“With the exception of my church, I plan to focus on this huge responsibility and opportunity.”
