MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The newly elected president of one of the
country's largest Baptist denominations says he's seeking unification following
an election in which his opponent went to court to challenge the group's voting
process.
The Rev. Julius R. Scruggs spoke to reporters Friday, a day after
delegates at the annual meeting of the National Baptist Convention USA
overwhelmingly chose him over the Rev. Henry Lyons. Scruggs received 4,108
votes to Lyons' 924.
The Nashville-based National Baptist Convention USA is the
nation's largest and oldest predominantly Black denomination with roughly 7.5
million worshippers.
Lyons was forced out as the group's president in 1999 after an
investigation revealed he abused his power and stole about $4 million from the
denomination. He used the money to buy luxury homes and jewelry and support his
mistresses. He served almost five years in prison.
Scruggs said he plans to grow convention membership and to
increase revenue to support church mission work.
He said he also plans to form a public policy committee that will
address health care issues - such as the current national debate on health care
reform - and other socio-economic and political matters. AP
______
To read the rest of this article, subscribe to our digital or
paper edition. For previous editions, contact us for details.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Lace Wigs
Wedding Dresses