::Fred Luter

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{{#invoke:Infobox|infobox}} Fred J. Luter Jr. (born 1956 November 11 in New Orleans<ref name="franklinabc1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref>) was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) on 2012 June 19.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }} Cf. {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> He is SBC's first African-American president.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> According to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary president Daniel L. Akin, ". . . the most significant event to happen in our [SBC's] history since our formation" is Luter's election.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }} (Akin's seminary is the one in Wake Forest, North Carolina). Cf. {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref>

On June 20, the day after electing Luter, SBC voted to permit use of the designation "Great Commission" as an alternative to "Southern" for congregations desiring a break from the geographical and historical eponym.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }} The election of Luter and the decision to provide an alternative name were taken as signs that SBC desired to move away from a past associated with slavery and racial segregation. As stated by president Ed Stetzer of SBC's LifeWay Research: "Many Southern Baptists were on the wrong side of the hoses in Birmingham" {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> Nominated by David Crosby of New Orleans' First Baptist Church,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref> Luter succeeded Bryant Wright of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref>

Fred Luter (right), with Norman Francis, George W. Bush and Leah Chase

Luter cited "to improve racial harmony" as his goal on his reelection to the second (and final) year of SBC presidency.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=news }}</ref>

On June 11, 2014, Dr. Ronnie Floyd of Cross Church in Arkansas succeeded Rev. Luter as SBC president.

Fred Luter sections
Intro  Franklin Avenue Baptist Church  Earlier ministry  Personal life  Notes  

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