Southern Baptists Have New Leader

The Southern Baptists have chosen a new president, Frank Page, a mega-church pastor from South Carolina. He was the most moderate of the three candidates, although there really aren't any moderates left in the Southern Baptist Convention. He will serve a one year term and have the opportunity to be re-elected once. He had a good quote:

"I believe in the Word of God," he said. "I am just not mad about it. Too long Baptists have been known for what we are against. Please let us tell you what we are for."

I also noted the last paragraph in the New York Times article:

Early in the afternoon, delegates viewed a videotaped greeting from President Bush, who thanked Southern Baptists for backing his recent Supreme Court nominees and for supporting the troops in Iraq. Mr. Bush reminded the convention of his opposition to what the law calls partial-birth abortion.

I wonder if the President sends greetings to the United Methodists, his own denomination. I doubt it.