Chime In: African-American Christians Decide Not To Vote This Election

September 17th, 2012 - By madamenoire

Source: AP

Some black clergy see no good presidential choice between a Mormon candidate and one who supports gay marriage, so they are telling their flocks to stay home on Election Day. That’s a worrisome message for the nation’s first African-American president, who can’t afford to lose any voters from his base in a tight race.

The pastors say their congregants are asking how a true Christian could back same-sex marriage, as President Barack Obama did in May. As for Republican Mitt Romney, the first Mormon nominee from a major party, congregants are questioning the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its former ban on men of African descent in the priesthood.

In 2008, Obama won 95 percent of black voters and is likely to get an overwhelming majority again. But any loss of votes would sting.

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Nikki

I’m a spiritual person that holds many of the Christian morals and I don’t support same sex marriage. My problem with black churches is that they don’t talk about real life issues.

Christianity condemns sex out of wedlock, adultery, rape, and molestation but you never hear about it. Look at the politicians that have mistresses, the church leaders and coaches that have molested young boys, the fathers, uncles, and brothers that rape young girls, and the members of the congregation that do have sex out of wedlock. Talk about that!
NSimonefan

These pastors are acting very cultish — like Jim Jones cultish. If they are going to take stands like this, then perhaps the government should take away their tax exempt status. Everyone, ignore those stupid pastors and vote for Obama. I’m saying that as a Christian.
#Truth

So, are these pastors suggesting to just pray and hope that things will get better? I don’t know about y’all but I’m about praying then doing what I have to do to get what I’ve been praying for. In this case it’s voting for Obama/Biden!
Mikkalotious

It is not for pastors or their congregations to pass judgement, whether you support same sex marriage or acknowledge the Mormon church. That judgement is God’s business and believe me HE don’t need any assistance from anyone. This is crazy. I bet in their very own churches there exists all types of things that wouldn’t be pleasing in God’s sight…do they bar those members from attending because of those things? I think not. I think these people need to study Matthew 7:1, ( Judge not lest ye be judged) Luke 6:37 (Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.) I could go on and on…my point is…You have the RIGHT to vote and your life outside of your church will be heavily effected if you surrender that right . Too many people lost their lives fighting for that right. These people should ask their ministers are they going to help cover their health care costs if their vouchers don’t cover all the expenses, are the churches going to help provide good paying jobs for all the people affiliated with them that are in search of work with benefits assist with paying their individual taxes after they are raised, provide assistance with food and additional monies to help send their children to college and pay for tuition????? They better wake up and GET OUT AND VOTE if they know what is good for them. jmt~
Kayo Halana Malie

Idiots!
Miss Anonymous

Ummm I have been going to church every Sunday and I didnt get this memo. How come Im never invite into these surveys?
Reese

Call me crazy but isn’t this counterproductive. When I vote I don’t bring my religion into the voting both with me seeing as our government is supposed to be non-secular. There are greater problems at stake than gay marriage or Mormonism. What about the economy, what foreign relations? So for these preachers to condone and encourage voter apathy just based off of two things is disgusting and small-minded.
FromUR2UB

That is irresponsible advice. Regardless of what they think of one candidate’s policies or the other’s, there never was and never will be a perfect race or candidate. You’re not going to agree with every stance. See, that’s what makes me so sick about black churches. Instead of empowering people, they’re always encouraging weakness: don’t lift a finger or use any of your human power. Just pray and hand over your blessings money. I’m no proponent for gay marriages either. But, I’m sure as hell not going to let that one factor be the deal breaker. That’s like deciding against buying a perfectly good house, because you don’t like the color the walls are painted.

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