Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was ordained a deacon last month by Maranatha Baptist Church, the independent Associated Baptist Press reported.
Mrs. Carter, 79, has been active in the congregation, along with ex-President Jimmy Carter, who draws thousands of visitors to the rural church by teaching Sunday school there.
The former president is a longtime Baptist deacon–the title Protestants give a layperson who helps the minister serve the community.
The role of women in church leadership has divided many Baptist groups.
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