Posted on Mon, Jun. 30, 2008
Bishop Harry Jackson Jr.
is author of "The Truth In Black & White: A New Look at the Shifting Landscape of Race, Religion and Politics in America Today"
Many conservative African American pastors are conflicted about whom to support for president. They feel that they are in a lose-lose scenario.
If they support Sen. Barack Obama based on his faith positions, they lose credibility and violate their biblical principles.
On the other hand, if they embrace Sen. John McCain, they abandon the historic candidacy of Obama without really gaining moral high ground. McCain's message is not inspiring for the average person in the faith community.
In some churches, making the wrong political decision could affect the minister's tenure in his church. Most people don't realize the courage it takes for African American pastors to identify with conservative white Christians in terms of social and political issues.
Therefore, African Americans I know are constantly saying to me, "Send a message to McCain!" In a recent meeting with high-level leaders from the McCain campaign, I begged them to "give us a clear choice" and a line of moral distinction. McCain's folks listened, but no real action was taken.
The black evangelical church could be a source of needed votes. In 2004, many of these pastors suffered the ignominy of being called Uncle Toms as they fought for moral high ground and sided with President Bush. They were not paid by the Republican machine. The threat of same-sex marriage became the source of an unprecedented groundswell of Christian unity.
Maverick blacks who supported Bush in 2004 found many willing congregants "egging" them on. In 2008, the case for moral outrage has not been made. Although the California marriage battle will rage through November, no presidential candidate has gone out on a limb to be the protector of marriage.
In addition, many blacks see the race problem as one of our most pressing national sins - a 400-year-old problem that could be mitigated by voting for Obama.
For the reasons stated here, biblically conservative pastors are finding it difficult to feel totally at peace with either candidate. Ironically, McCain seems to be publicly running away from the faith community, while Obama has started meeting with religious leaders, including evangelicals.
Blacks are also concerned that a McCain presidency might not embody warmth and compassion to the needs of the poor and disenfranchised of the nation.
What conservative pastors of all stripes want from McCain is a compelling vision of what he wants for America. These leaders feel that Obama's tag line of "Change You Can Believe In" is the most brilliant public-relations theme the nation has heard in years. Unfortunately, they see his positions as the same old liberal positions with a fresh media spin.
Great numbers of conservative black ministers are willing to jump on the McCain "Straight Talk Express." Unfortunately, they will need a personalized invitation that will include the senator making a major speech on faith, getting involved in the marriage amendment fight in California, and a personal sit-down with black, white and Hispanic religious leaders.
Bishop Harry Jackson Jr. is the chairman of the High Impact Leadership Coalition (www.himpactus.com).
email this
print this
today's 
