Criswell College to Confer Doctor of Divinity Degree on New Orleans Pastor Fred Luter

Dallas, Texas, March 26, 2012 — 

Luter is pastor of the largest Baptist church in Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina, the members of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church were scattered all over the country. Pastor Luter traveled around the South to minister to his congregation. Successfully rebuilding the work in New Orleans, Luter has served faithfully as both a pastor and a denominational leader. In addition to many other leadership roles, he recently has been nominated as the first African-American president of the Southern Baptist Convention.   

The Criswell College honorary doctorate is awarded to exemplary leaders who have made an  impact on the world for the gospel in significant ways. Past recipients include Dr. Rudy  Gonzalez, Dr. E.K. Bailey, Dr. Richard Land, Judge Paul Pressler, Dr. Paige Patterson, Dr. Jerry  Vines, Dr. O.S. Hawkins, and Dr. Ed Young.   

Founded over forty years ago, Criswell College is an accredited Christian college and graduate school in Dallas, Texas. Criswell College was started by W.A. Criswell, long-time pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, to train men and women in biblical and theological studies to make an impact on the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at www.criswell.edu.