Not only is Rev. Fred Luter Junior a big hit at his local New Orleans church, but he was also popular at the Southern Baptist Convention where he was voted in as president.
"He has been involved in many aspects of convention life," said Pastor Stewart. "He has earned his position as president of the convention."-
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By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - History was made at the Southern Baptist Convention on Tuesday after the group elected its first black president, Rev. Fred Luter, Jr.
The convention is taking place in New Orleans where Luter is the pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. The move comes as the denomination tries to expand its appeal beyond its traditional white southern base. Membership and baptisms have been generally declining in recent years.
Not only is Rev. Fred Luter, Jr. a big hit at his New Orleans church, but he was also popular at the Southern Baptist Convention where he was voted in as president.
"When he was announced as president the entire congregation there, almost 10,000 people, stood up and applauded very loudly," said Pastor Ron Stewart, from Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville.
"I just thank God for the privilege and opportunity and most of all the confidence the Southern Baptists are putting in me," Rev. Luter said on Tuesday.
Many Baptist churches in East Tennessee were also excited to hear the news.
"This has gotten the attention it has because it's an historic event, and it deserves the kind of attention it's getting because a denomination that is almost 150 years old is electing the first black president of that denomination," said Pastor Stewart.
He believes many will have a positive reaction and says this is a big, but welcome step for all Southern Baptists.
"It took time for someone to get to that level where they could be recognized and Dr. Luter has paid the price," said Stewart. "He has been involved in many aspects of convention life. He has earned his position as president of the convention."
Pastor Stewart says Rev. Luter's new title could help change the stereotype of Southern Baptists.
"I think the election of Dr. Luter is going to help a lot of non-white people look at Southern Baptists in a different light. At least maybe give them a second look," Pastor Stewart said.
The Nashville-based denomination was formed before the Civil War in a split with Northern Baptists over slavery and had a reputation over much of the last century for supporting segregation.
