Fred Luter Jr.: Southern Baptists' Leader Is Exhibit A on Diversity

http://www.theroot.com/views/new-southern-baptist-president-exhibit-a-diversity?page=0,1

By 7:15 a.m. the 2,000 or so seats in the huge sanctuary and balcony were packed for a worship service beginning at 7:30 at one of the largest Southern Baptist congregations in the city.

Luter, a New Orleans native, was a street preacher before accepting the pastorate at Franklin Avenue. However, his move to the national stage is historic and controversial at the same time. His election to lead the SBC, the largest Protestant denomination in America, is a clear appeal to members beyond its predominantly white base.

The group was birthed before the Civil War after a split with Northern Baptists over slavery and was known to support segregation for many years. In the mid-1990s, Luter was part of an effort to reform its racist image that has led to its nonwhite membership growing from 5 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2010.

The two presidents talked about five minutes, he added. President Obama congratulated him, then asked Luter: "So what's it like to be the most popular president in America?"

 Like Obama, Luter is a first, and he's keenly aware of the changes that brings. "There's a tremendous amount of pressure," Luter said, during a brief interview after the morning worship. "Anytime you are the first at anything, there are high expectations. My greatest challenge is not to mess up."

i'm in the middle of mixed feelings in regard to what and to who will he really minster to. don't know more then this article, never heard of him before.  i can only hope that he does not abuse or misdirect his following. guess i will need to follow his story to know.

there is IMO an even chance to be great and beloved or just another Elmer Gantry, let's hope for the former.

Religion has been usurped for generation by southern minister's and their teachings just don't seem so God like the hate and vitriol that accompanies their sermons just not what my God teaches, he/she doesn't hate, only teaches love and empathy for your fellow man their's teaches the same as long as it's you're fellow man of their kind.