Black churches ponder direction as some ally with GOP
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Critics say ministers are lured by grants, but some Black Ministers support the Pro-Unemployment, Pro-Iraq War, Pro-Torture, Pro-Inequality, Voter Suppression GOP Agenda
When Bishop Harry R. Jackson Jr. (pictured above) meets with evangelical Christians to plot a strategy to "protect American family values," he is typically the only black face in the room. Like white Christian conservatives, he argues that gay marriage is a threat to society, abortion is sinful and public policy requires a foundation of faith. Those beliefs, he says, can cure social problems within the black community far better than the programs or ideas of liberal thinkers. With such views, Jackson and a small group of other pastors have sparked a debate on the future of the influential black church and its close historical ties with the Democratic Party. Some veteran civil rights advocates, scholars and black clergy believe these ministers are being manipulated by a powerful, politically charged evangelical movement and lured to the Republican Party with faith-based grants. "Bush's politics are like a wolf in sheep's clothing," says lifelong civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. "I don't mind if ministers get faith-based grants, but that's no substitute for equal rights under law. We need to be concerned about major public policy matters." [more]
African American "Coalition" Signs Values "Mayflower" Pact
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