Henry Lyons Steps Down In Wake Of Conviction
March 16, 1999ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Rev. Henry Lyons resigned Tuesday as president of the National Baptist Convention USA, two weeks after being convicted on racketeering charges.
"He stepped down with tremendous dignity. He said the time has come," defense lawyer Grady Irvin said outside an emergency meeting of the black church group's board at Lyons' church.
"He was very remorseful with respect to any difficulty he has caused the convention," Irvin said.
The Rev. S.C. Cureton of Greenville, S.C., will take over as the convention's president until Lyons' term expires in September, Irvin said.
Lyons did not return messages left at his Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church before the meeting. But he indicated in a weekend interview with reporter Connie Chung for the ABC program "20/20 Monday" that he will step down.
"I think it's best. ... The emphasis now must be on the church, on the convention, on the programs and mission and ministries of the convention. I feel that it's time for me to let that be a priority," he said.
March 16, 1999
Source: Newswire
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