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
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