(RNS) A majority of Southern Baptist pastors surveyed said they think it would be good for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination to be led by an African-American. By Adelle M. Banks.

RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) Most black churches consider homosexuality a sin, and have resisted any attempt to reinterpret biblical passages condemning it.  But some pastors are finding ways to skirt the theological issue, and support equal treatment of gays and lesbians as a legislative concern. By Yonat Shimron.

NEW ORLEANS (RNS) After months of urging from other Baptists around the country, the Rev. Fred Luter confirmed he is running to be the first African-American president of the predominantly white Southern Baptist Convention. Several Baptist leaders said Luter becomes the prohibitive favorite for the post. By Bruce Nolan.