In Georgia, religious voters wield significant influence, especially in a tightly contested race where every vote could be pivotal. Recently, two prominent megachurches in the state hosted presidential candidates, showcasing the contrasting approaches of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump when it comes to faith and the expectations of their Christian constituencies.
Despite their differences, both candidates recognize the importance of engaging religious voters in swing states like Georgia. Last Sunday, Vice President Harris addressed a crowd of thousands at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in south DeKalb County. “It is so good to be here with everyone today and to worship with you,” she said, reflecting on biblical teachings during her speech.
The New Birth church, known for its significant role in the African American community, attracted around 4,000 attendees, including influential local political figures. Pastor Jamal Bryant often emphasizes the church’s substantial contributions, such as awarding $83 million in college scholarships last year. However, attendees weren’t there simply for a political rally. State Senator Emanuel Jones, who was present, remarked on the importance of keeping worship and politics separate, stating, “You don’t want to give political speeches in a sanctuary.”
Harris’s appearance was accompanied by her pastor, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, a key figure in the civil rights movement. Expressing her personal faith, Harris shared with Anderson Cooper in a CNN town hall that she prays daily. Yet, during her time at New Birth, she refrained from explicitly linking her campaign to religious motivations, instead touching on faith-based themes, mentioning the word “faith” 16 times in a 14-minute address. “Faith is a verb,” she emphasized, underscoring its manifestation through actions and service.
Attendees like Elaine Montgomery, wearing a vibrant pink hat, felt Harris’s message resonated. “Everything belongs to God,” she stated, voicing her skepticism about Trump’s faith. “I don’t really think Donald Trump had faith,” she said, expressing disillusionment with his actions.
In contrast, Trump also made headlines in Georgia last week during a faith town hall at Christ Chapel in Zebulon, where he spoke to a packed audience. Reflecting on religion’s significance, he stated, “Without religion, it’s like the glue that holds it all together,” before transitioning to campaign themes like immigration and critiques of the Biden administration. His remarks on faith were noticeably brief, with only one mention of his personal belief during the event.
Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, highlighted the stakes for conservative voters, warning that Harris would push for federal abortion laws should she win. Many of Trump’s supporters, including attendees at Christ Chapel, emphasize issues surrounding abortion as central to their voting decisions, though there are concerns about the potential political fallout of a hardline stance on the issue.
As Georgia remains a critical battleground in the current election cycle, the engagement of religious voters proves essential. Both candidates are aware that where faith intersects with politics may ultimately sway the election’s outcome, especially in a state where church attendance is notably high. The upcoming election, characterized by its contrasting narratives and urgent stakes, promises to engage both the faith and political communities in unprecedented ways.
