Recorder readers were asked: “Should ministers endorse political candidates?”
Here are some of their responses:
“I don’t think it should be done in the pulpit but outside of church is OK. Why wouldn’t it be?” – Katina West
“If Martin Luther King Jr. had never spoken out, where would we be now? The church members and pastors are supposed to go in the highways and byways telling the truth, so I don’t have a problem with anyone endorsing someone that will treat and uplift consumers the right way and make this city/state a better place to live and serve.” – Regina Simmons
“If ministers focused on the things that they have in front of them, then they may be too busy to endorse a candidate. To be honest, it bothers me when ministers endorse candidates but remain quiet when it comes to matters in the community, such as police brutality, community poverty, unemployment and many other issues. – Gregory Meriweather
“It is always a personal endorsement, even if it is told to the entire congregation.” – Donnie Harris
“They should advocate positions or policies consistent with their beliefs. The Martin Luther king Jr. example is one in which he didn’t endorse candidates, but took actions to advance an issue such as voting rights, business boycotts and anti poverty efforts. When one gets bogged down in a person or party you diminish the cause and inject human imperfections.” – Levon Justice
“How can a minister or clergyman preach total dependence upon God but is also rubbing elbows with Pharaoh? I believe ministers have to be mindful of their influence over not just their congregation, but the general public as well. When a pastor endorses a candidate, there are people that sit under that pastor who will consider the candidate just on his endorsement alone.” – William Jackson
“Yes, it is appropriate. A minister is forced to stand up when the interest of the people will be better served and neglect must be called out. In the case of the current mayor, he has his African-American clergy representatives. They just don’t happen to have the moxie to openly endorse the mayor. Politics is fair game. It is the democratic process.” – Ken Nowell
