A lot of people spent the Sunday before the presidential election in church, where the message was ‘Get out and vote’ -- regardless of who's side you're on. In general, churches can't endorse political candidates because of their tax-exempt non-profit status. So instead of electioneering, one of Baltimore's most prominent African-American congregations is pushing voter education.
Officials at Bethel AME Church in West Baltimore say they’re preparing for one of the most historic days in United States history. ‘We wanted to make sure that people were enlightened and energized and empowered about all of the issues that are surrounding the election,’ said Marlaa’ Reid, First Lady of Bethel AME.
They’re enlightening by inviting community and church leaders with varying viewpoints to a Sunday evening forum. Panelists included Larry Young, host of a popular radio program on WOLB, 1010 AM, Marvin ‘Doc’ Cheatham, President of the NAACP Baltimore City Branch, and Bishop Harry Jackson of College Park, who has spoken favorably of John McCain, ‘It's time especially in the African-American church, for us to begin to say hey the Bible says x, these certain things are consistent with what the bible says,’ Bishop Jackson said.
Cheatham said the key, regardless of who wins the election, will be what happens afterward. ‘We have to get to the point where we hold them accountable, and remember how they vote and not vote with and against our community,’ he said.
That was a key point also stressed byCNN political analyst Roland Martin, who spoke to the congregation earlier, during the Sunday service. ‘The people must be challenged that they have to take up the vision and do their part as well. And I think a lot of people have forgotten that and so I'm going to gently remind them of that,’ he said. ‘The president can lay the vision out, but if the people don't respond you can forget any of it happening.’
On election day, Bethel AME volunteers will be driving voters to polling stations, and there will be a viewing party Tuesday night as the election results come in.
