Black Pentecostals vote values, but not part of 'religious right'

[qanda]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Like other evangelical Christians, leaders of the Church of God in Christ want to limit abortion and bar same-sex marriage.

But that doesn't mean the predominantly black Pentecostal denomination considers itself part of the "religious right" or supporters of the Republican Party.

"I've seen the tone of the religious right," said G.E. Patterson, the church's presiding bishop. "It seemingly was born out of the fact that African-Americans were making too many gains."

Patterson's church, often referred to simply as COGIC, reports having more than 6 million members across the United States and in 57 countries.

(more)

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041119/REPOSITORY/411190392/1037/NEWS04

[msgadget]

1. Great counterpoint

to the gloating in the other article you posted. Do you think it offers hope against GOP manipulation?

This statement by Bishop Patterson has me thinking hard:

"Those that tend to be among the fastest-growing churches are those that lean to a more charismatic worship style."

Why do you think this is?

[bettys boy]

2. "charismatic"

because middle class life is, by and large, composed of routine and boredom. who wouldn't want their faith life to have a little zip to it?

[msgadget]

3. Do you think it's that simple

or if it's a clinging to something more divine during changing and trying times? I tend to reach for the pragmatic and practical but this article says people are reaching back (?) toward the charismatic. I guess I'm wondering if it's a good thing for forward momentum and progress.

[bobbieinok]

4. have a problem with article...

is it, they oppose gay marriage but still vote democratic?
or their opposition to gay marriage causes them to vote their values, ie., vote republican?

[msgadget]

5. They first line of your post,

they opposed gay marriage but don't vote for the conservative party. And, someone else reported that this type of voting was more prevalent than initially reported. The GOP has made some inroads but as much as they'd have us believe.