NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans pastor who’s expected to become the first black president of the Southern Baptist Convention says parents are the key to stopping rampant juvenile delinquency, but the church can help.

The Rev. Fred Luter is unopposed as Southern Baptists prepare to elect a new president when they meet in New Orleans June 19 and 20.

Luter says many of today’s young people “have no regard for the law, no regard for life and no respect.”

The answer, he says, must start with parents raising their children “in the fear and admonition of the Lord” instead of letting them run wild in the streets committing crimes.

Luter says it’s up to the church to come alongside parents and give them the tools they need to bring up their children.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.