Rev. Andre Allen Responds to Luter, Graham Meeting
Newly elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Fred Luter, had met with the revered evangelist, Billy Graham. As a proponent of racial unity in the church, Rev. Andre Allen discusses why Graham's support is monumental for civic rights.
NEW YORK, NY, August 21, 2012
Throughout history, Christianity has played a vital role in the development of American politics and society; it is a trend that continues today. The recent election of Fred Luter to act as Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President is now considered a watershed development in the evolution of American Christianity, as Luter is the first African-American to hold the position. A recent article from The Christian Post discusses Luter's recent meeting with Rev. Billy Graham, who has played a pivotal role in the changing influence religion has had in society. Commending Luter and Graham, Rev. Andre Allen notes that their meeting serves as a true testament to racial unity in the church.Although Luter has remained a leader in religious circles and now holds the revered position as SBC President, the article notes his modesty when meeting Billy Graham. Luter describes, "First of all, I was just kind of amazed that when I walked in the house ... he was sitting at the kitchen table, and it was like you were walking on Mt. Sinai and there's Moses just sitting there." The conversation between Graham and Luter focused on civil rights and how churches should work to create harmony in the religious community--a group where congregations continue to be separated by race. Rev. Andre Allen responds, "I was happy to hear about Rev. Billy Graham's acceptance and celebration of Rev. Fred Luther as the first African-American to become Southern Baptist Convention President. Rev. Graham is one of the most historical figures of our time who has had a major impact for the cause of Christ and racial unity."
The article explains that Graham's social impact has extended far beyond that of the church, as he has served as an advisor to many U.S. Presidents throughout his career. Such interactions have been noted as significant exchanges that created social development and equality in America. As a civil rights activist, Rev. Andre Allen believes both Luter and Graham are crucial symbols to the progression of racial unity in churches. He notes that their meeting is one that all religious leaders should take note of, as it provides a strong foundation for the good works that Christians can achieve. He concludes, "Rev. Graham did not allow racial segregation during his historical crusades, even at a time when racial segregation was a common practice by many Americans. We need more people of faith to take positive initiatives to promote racial unity."
ABOUT:
Rev. Andre Allen is the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Ministries Worldwide located in Carol Stream, Illinois. He has served in ministry for nearly 40 years. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity from the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Rev. Andre Allen worked as the associate minister of Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Andre Allen lives with his wife and has five daughters and twelve grandchildren.
Website: http://reverendandreallen.com