Hot Stuff: Black Pastors

Smiley and West respond to the threat by a group of Black pastors to withhold support for President Obama unless he meets with them at the White House on the issue of same-sex marriage.

Views: 127

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Denise Harris on July 6, 2012 at 12:56pm

This is an insult to Black people! Posturing on the fake premise that Black people are worrying about same-sex marriage. This group of "Black pastors" are obviously republican and want to damage the President's campaign. They do not represent the Black community or our concerns. I don't feel they really want to "meet with the President" on this issue. This issue has already been dealt with very well by the President.

Just like Dr. West said "homophobia is as evil as white supremacy" and I take offense in this group of men insinuating Blacks are homophobic. To say that Blacks are so desperate to confront the issue of same-sex marriage is utterly ridiculous! If this group want to be taken seriously they need to tell the truth about the real issues Blacks are concerned about! Can you say STOP-N-FRISK is unconstitutional!

Permalink Reply by DEBORAH J. STEELE on July 6, 2012 at 9:42pm

“THE NEW BLACK PASTORS REQUEST” …

Greetings: To My Dearest Tavis & Dr. Cornel West,

I’m completely speechless indeed, in regards, to this topic of discussion …

Yes, I am in complete agreement with both of your comments, in reference to the: (Black Leadership / Pastors) request, in wanting to with hold their support to the president, in regards, to (same-sex marriage) …

“To be very honest, we have “too many other very important issues” that needs to be addressed, in regards, to the (Heart Cries) of those individuals, who are currently suffering from the: (after effects), of this present day recession” … “SELAH” …

“The outcome results, for this topic of discussion, will be very interesting to see!” …

Sincerely, with warmest regards & blessings,
Ms. Deborah J. Steele
(Your loyal & faithful friend in Atlanta)
7/07/12 - AM

Permalink Reply by Eric Jones on July 6, 2012 at 10:35pm

Why doesn't anyone question the legality of such posturing?  Religious leaders and the organizations they head are strictly prohibited from using their positions to promote specific political agendas (e.g., not voting for a candidate) as a condition of their tax exempt status.  It seems that more and more religious figures on both sides are preaching politics instead of the gospel (or text of choice) from the pulpit, but we turn the other way.  I firmly support (and encourage) everyone's right to practice his or her own religion, and even their right, as you say, to be wrong in their beliefs.  It is extremely dangerous, though, when political opinions become moral mandates in the hands of those to whom others look for spiritual guidance. 

I think there are two options.  If religious leaders want to use their position of power to preach politics, their organizations should lose both their tax-exempt status and designation as a religious institution - including all the associated benefits.  Alternately, if they wish to maintain their privileged status they should be forbidden from encouraging their parishioners to vote one way or another at any church-sponsored events or when they are speaking as an official representative of their church. 

I encourage them to be involved in the political conversation, but only as a private citizen speaking for him or herself - equal to his or her neighbors.  Religious leaders carry an immense amount of power and influence because of their positions.  History is full of examples of how dangerous it can be to mix power and politics...  We need to keep them separated. 

Permalink Reply by ALICIA BANKS on August 5, 2012 at 4:14pm

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2013   Created by Smiley and West.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service