CL – Southern Baptists praise election of an African-American pastor

Southern Baptists praise election of an African-American pastor

Local religious leaders are hailing the election of an African-American pastor to the No. 2 leadership post in the Southern Baptist Convention.

“I personally think it’s outstanding and speaks to how far we have come, and I commend Southern Baptists for moving in that direction,” said the Rev. Ronnie Crudup, pastor of New Horizon Church in Jackson. “I think it speaks to the religious community that we are getting beyond race.”

On Tuesday, the Southern Baptist Convention elected the Rev. Fred Luter Jr., head pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, first vice president.

Clarion Ledger
6/15/11