Republicans making inroads into black churches

[ecstatic]

I go to a very large Church and lately I've noticed that the pastor has been sounding pro-Bush. Yesterday, he went on an on about how the troops are dying for liberty and freedom, and he asked us to participate in a huge Church march this coming Saturday to show a "unified" Church. He hasn't come right out and said where he stands, but it is becoming more and more obvious.

My entire family is upset about this situation, however, it turns out that it's not only our church that is being led by a pro-Bush pastor. These pastors have a lot of influence with their members. I won't mention any names, but many of these churches have upwards of 5,000 members.

How might this affect the political affiliation of African Americans, or will it even have an effect?

[msgadget]

1. Wow, and even using the 'freedom' rhetoric.

Yes, it's already having an effect because a lot of people take what 'Pastor' says as gospel. The Republicans have been genius at tapping into this for a long time.

Check these progressive Christian links out: http://www.clnnlc.org/focus.html and http://www.ucc.org/index3.html .

Churches should pray for our soldiers and the country in turmoil but I don't understand how a man of God can preach that war is gaining people their freedom. You should write him a letter, see if anyone else is bothered by it. Call or write someone from the two links above and see if they could visit your congregation.

[FrenchieCat]

2. If I were you,

I'd have a conversation or write a letter to this pastor. You should remind him that partisanship does not belong in a church setting, no matter how subtle...and that you and your family have been picking up a "pro-Bush vibe" that you'd rather not feel.

And since he is encouraging his congregation to participate in a "Freedom March", advise him to make sure that those he is asking to participate are aware that this march is in regards to freedom in places other than America....and we ain't talking about Marching for concerns over the Sudan...and if not, why not?

Also request that he reserves a portion of a future
sermon on the topic of "the Black Family, Education, and War"....or suggest that he could call it, "How to keep African-American children out of arms way during wartime". To prepare this sermon, ask him to research the fact that "Pell Grants" are being cut, and ask him to be prepared to answer a revelant question; how will this affect the Black community and his congregation?

Volunteer talking points that less access to public Educational funds affects hundreds of thousands of young Black people in an adverse manner..... because this cut back on Grants is going to make options less available...and force some (representing our future Black generation)to choose to enter the Armed Forces when they otherwise would not have.

Also mention to him that children of affluent families will not affected by these kinds of cuts...as their options will remain the same. Mention to him that this is why the current administration is stating that there won't be a draft....because there won't be any need for it if they just keep cutting funding for programs that have historically provided young people with multiple options when choosing their path to their future.

Emphasize that, to date, the percentage of young minorities per capita in the Armed Forces compared to the general population is very high. Let him know that the reason for this is because the Armed Forces offers them a real alternative to a life of poverty and extreme struggle. However, considering that this war makes that option less attractive (as gambling on one's life for a better future is not like joining in peacetime), the cutting of funds regarding other options (like going to college) is not a Govermmental policy that is advocating "freedom" for these young people....people that his church should be thinking of as much, if not more than the Iraqi people and their "Freedom".

Even if he never gives this sermon, he will at least have a chance to think about this "freedom" business (like freedom is relative).

Nothing like "Food for Thought" for the religious minded...when it comes to how policies are directly affecting those they are supposed to be enlightening.

[bobbieinok]

3. I'm glad some blacks are talking about this

I'm a white woman over 60 and have taught at a conservative Christian college for 15 years.

I've talked to many of the black students; more and more of them are becoming convinced by some of their profs and some of their churches into voting republican because of abortion and gay marriage.

I say (outside of class) women and blacks who vote republican are crazy; most black students agree. But more and more are 'voting their heart and conscience rather than their pocketbook' as one young woman said to me.

The same is happening in the pentecostal Hispanic churches.

I think this is a major issue.

[fortyfeetunder]

4. Oh, I bet they Pugs will even use...

That the GOP is "the party of Lincoln" to gain more unsuspecting Blacks.

[Swamp Rat]

5. You sould have seen when Bush came to New Orleans

He literally bought black preachers - did photo ops for money and a promise to get everyone to vote for his evil ass. :mad:

One of my friends is a preacher who said he was blown away by this too; he couldn't believe they would sell out to that bastard.