Southern Baptist to lead military chaplains

WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1954, a Southern Baptist has been nominated to lead the U.S. Army’s chaplains. The Army’s public affairs office announced May 10 that Chaplain Brig. Gen. Douglas Carver has been appointed to the rank of major general for assignment as chief of chaplains.

The last chief of chaplains from the Southern Baptist Convention was Chaplain Maj. Gen. Ivan L. Bennett from 1952 until 1954.

"It’s an exciting day to see a fellow Southern Baptist receive such an honor," said Keith Travis, a retired U.S. Army chaplain who serves as director of the North American Mission Board’s chaplaincy evangelism team. "Chaplain Carver has had an outstanding military career, and he is a remarkable man of God."

In 2005, Carver became the Army’s 22nd deputy chief of chaplains, making him the first Southern Baptist to hold that position. He is a native of Rome, Ga., and a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.