Daytona Beach black clergy tab the Rev. Dr. L. Ronald Durham as new leader

Photos for Headline Surfer / The Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, shown here, is led by Pastor L. Ronald Durham.

By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

Daytona Beach, Fla. -- The Rev. L. Ronald Durham, one of the nation's most recognized pastors and authors, has been elected president of the Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance.

The DBBCA is an alliance of pastors across denominational and cultural lines from the greater Daytona Beach area.

The purpose of the alliance is to promote unity among the local clergy as well as support other civic, civil rights, religious organizations, and issues that will enhance the life of all the residents of the surrounding areas.

As well as serving as president of the clergy alliance, Durham, 62, also is the co-chairman of FAITH., and senior pastor of Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach.

Durham author of the book, "The Secret Power of Prayer," published by Townson Press, is considered one of the countyry's most sought-after preachers and teachers.

Durham was voted unanimously as president earlier this week, with 57-year-old Rev. John T. Long, III, chosen as vice president.

"I look forward to increasing our membership and continuing to develop a platform which reflects our commitment as clergy to stand as watchmen, and lend support to others when needed, and cry loud when injustice makes it necessary," Durham said.

"I look forward to increasing our membership and continuing to develop a platform which reflects our commitment as clergy to stand as watchmen, and lend support to others when needed, and cry loud when injustice makes it necessary," Durham said.

The alliance was one of the leading voices in supporting the Trayvon Martin rally in Sanford, and along with the NAACP, has been on the front lines of fighting to keep early voting alive. In the last presidential election the alliance was in full support of the Souls to the Polls rally on the Volusia County courthouse steps to continue Early Voting awareness.