It’s a dirty little secret that really isn’t much of a secret, but our denomination (the Southern Baptist Convention) was formed in a region and in an era of extreme racial prejudice.  Many of our churches openly practiced discrimination and segregation for years, and many of our churches were on the wrong side of the aisle during the Civil Rights movement.  It’s not something we’re are proud of, but it is the truth.

This week, though, our convention could make some real strides by electing Fred Luter, the descendent of former slaves, as its president.  Fred Luter is the pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.  He is currently running unopposed for the president of the convention.

He has my hearty recommendation, and it is my prayer that there will be no last minute posturing to elect someone else.  He is a great pastor and an excellent leader, and he will be a good president for our convention.

It’s time for our denomination put the last vestiges of racism (which still exists in underground form in some of our churches) to rest.  Electing Fred Luter to the presidency will be a big step in that direction.