Southern Baptist Convention Gets First Black VP

Fred Luter

For the first time in the history of the Southern Baptist Convention, a Black man has been elected into the 1st vice president position.

According to the Associated Press, the SBC elected Fred Luter to the position on Tuesday at their annual conference in Phoenix. The 54-year-old Luter has been the head pastor of an SBC affiliate church in New Orleans since 1986.

Some convention leaders are hoping his election will mean a rise to the top spot next year when the 2012 convention is held in his hometown.

In recent years, the SBC has seen a decline in overall membership and attendance. At the meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday and Wednesday, delegates were considering a resolution that aims to help diversify the denomination.