WASHINGTON (AP) — Phoenix pastor the Rev. Warren H. Stewart Sr. has engaged in numerous discussions during this election season with fellow Black men in Arizona about various political issues, such as the economy, criminal justice, and immigration. However, the topic of abortion has not been part of their conversations.
Stewart stated, “They’re about justice. They’re about Donald Trump potentially reversing all of the gains achieved by the Civil Rights movement. They are not about abortion.”
While President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are actively seeking the support of voters who prioritize abortion rights, Trump and his allies are focusing on anti-abortion voters during the campaign.
Although Black men traditionally support Democrats, there is a prevalent narrative that they lack enthusiasm for Biden, the presumed party nominee. Their votes could be significant in swing states like Arizona and Pennsylvania, where a few thousand votes may determine the outcome of the election.
Democratic U.S. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina is concerned that Trump’s hyper-masculine campaign style is attracting Black male voters who feel marginalized by mainstream politics. He is working to counter this trend.
Biden, after a lackluster debate performance that raised questions about his age, is working to reassure his loyal base. He recently spoke at various events in Pennsylvania to address any remaining doubts and rumors.
Among Black clergy, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson is well-placed to assess Biden’s character and suitability. He believes Biden’s support for historically Black colleges and minority-owned businesses should not be overshadowed by recent mistakes in debates and news conferences.
On the topic of abortion, Jackson supports a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and is satisfied with how the Biden campaign is approaching the issue. Abortion has been a divisive issue in Black Protestant churches for decades.
Some Black church leaders acknowledge the historical struggle of religious communities to address issues of sexuality and gender, including challenges in discussing abortion. Author R. Marie Griffith argues that these challenges contribute to political divisiveness among American Christians.
While some Black pastors, like Sen. Raphael Warnock, openly support abortion access, others, like Warren Stewart, wish that Biden and Harris would focus less on abortion during the campaign. They believe abortion should only be legal in life-threatening situations.
Abortion-rights activists are working to engage Black men in the election, emphasizing the connection between safe access to abortion and the Black maternal health crisis in America. Their efforts are showing promising results in mobilizing support from various faith groups.
The issue of abortion is a significant motivator for many Black voters, especially when tied to broader issues of maternal health and mortality rates. Advocates believe that educating voters on the stakes of the election can lead to increased engagement and support for abortion rights.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
