NDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - The conservative Southern Baptist Convention elected an American Indian as its president on Tuesday in a sign the historically white denomination is starting to diversify.

Dr. Johnny Hunt, 55, a pastor based in Georgia and member of the Lumbee tribe, is believed to be the first Native American president of the largest U.S. Protestant denomination, although SBC officials could not immediately confirm that.

"The Southern Baptists have made a real effort to evangelize among Native Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic groups, so it is interesting to note that someone from one of their target groups has been elected president," said University of Akron political scientist John Green.

The Lumbee tribe is recognized as an American Indian tribe by North Carolina but denied full recognition by the federal government.

Hunt played down his native connections at his first news conference after being elected.