Fred Luter

Who is Fred Luter?

Fred J. Luter Jr. was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention on 2012 June 19. He is SBC's first African-American president. 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.

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. Nominated by David Crosby of New Orleans' First Baptist Church, Luter succeeded Bryant Wright of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia.

Luter cited "to improve racial harmony" as his goal on his reelection to the second year of SBC presidency.