Politicians in the Pulpit

Last Sunday morning, presidential candidate Kamala Harris spoke at the Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia. I did some research to find out more about this inner-city fellowship. Their website mentions them having an evangelism ministry. However, one outreach to encourage voting was sponsored by the Democratic Party. I don’t understand how professing Christians can align with a political platform that promotes abortion and perverted lifestyles. They must be biblically ignorant or in denial.

Fortunately, not every congregation member approved of Harris’ appearance. In response to a YouTube video of the Vice-President’s speech, one woman commented: “Omg, This is my church, I am not pleased with this. I’m glad I wasn’t there. Pastor (W. Lonnie) Herndon, please do better.” There were a few hecklers present at the Church of Christian Compassion, Harris’ response to them was “That’s why we fight for our democracy.” Then she repeatedly clapped her hands while saying, “Every voice is important.”


Harris’ speech included quotes from the Bible but made no mention of Jesus’ name. She also talked about “a God who asks us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” That should include unborn children. Kamala’s appearance at Church of Christian Compassion happened a few days after her rally at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where two juniors yelled out that “Christ is King” and “Jesus is Lord.” What was Harris’ response? “Oh, you’re at the wrong rally.” Jesus said in Matthew 10:33, “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”


There have been countless debates on mixing religion with politics. Some cite the “separation of church and state” as a reason not to discuss politics in the church. People need to be reminded that phrase does not appear anywhere in the Constitution. I’m not opposed to politicians speaking in the pulpit as long as what they say lines up with Scripture. Four years ago, I saw Donald Trump speak at a church in Miami. He mostly talked about his support for Israel and religious freedom.


Some pastors need to be more discerning about who they allow in the pulpit. If I was at a service and a politician who promotes abominable lifestyles and killing babies stood behind the sacred desk, I’d walk out and go to a different church.


“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.” - 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

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