Ken Parker — once a neo-Nazi and former KKK grand dragon who marched at the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville — has publicly renounced his past, repented of his hatred, and been baptized by a Black pastor in Florida.
Just a year before his baptism, Parker said he believed he was “protecting” his race. But everything began to change after he met Pastor William McKinnon III of All Saints Holiness Church. Through conversations, prayer, and a invitation to service, Parker started confronting the darkness in his own heart.
He eventually joined the predominantly African-American congregation — the very community he once despised — and publicly repented.
“I want to say I’m sorry. I do apologize,” Parker said. “I know I’ve spread hate and discontent through this city immensely — probably made little kids scared to sleep in their own beds.”
Later, Pastor McKinnon baptized him in the Atlantic Ocean, and he reminded believers, “When we make it to Heaven, Heaven’s not just gonna be one race. There’s gonna be all kinds of races up there.”
Evangelist Franklin Graham called it “a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.” He wrote that Jesus Christ “can change anyone — even a former hate-filled grand dragon of the KKK and Nazi.”
Graham added, “God can reach those we think unreachable — and He can use us if we will let Him.”
