Christian Alliance for Orphans summit draws record attendance in Atlanta

The Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) opened its 22nd annual summit, CAFO2026, at First Baptist Atlanta on September 23. The event has drawn a record-breaking 2,400 attendees, including faith-based advocates, ministry leaders, and adoptive families from the United States and at least 50 other nations. The three-day conference, which concludes on September 25, serves as a hub for networking and professional development within the global child welfare sector.

This year’s theme, "Less: Fewer branches, better fruit," encourages participants to prioritize the depth and intentionality of their work over the continuous expansion of programs. CAFO president Jedd Medefind noted that the theme challenges the cultural pressure to constantly do more, suggesting that focused efforts can lead to greater long-term impact for vulnerable children. The summit features over 200 workshops covering topics such as foster care engagement, church mobilization, and organizational leadership.

CAFO functions as an umbrella network for more than 300 non-profit organizations and numerous local churches. The Atlanta gathering includes participation from nearly two dozen local partners, including Send Relief and FaithBridge Foster Care, and features a variety of speakers and artists, including Lecrae and Dr. Curt Thompson.