Does theology impact Black churches’ involvement in elections? What experts say

For many who grew up in predominantly Black church congregations, the importance of public involvement was intertwined with historical and theological teachings.

“Part of the importance to me about civic engagement was absolutely passed down as a young person,” said Valerie Cooper, associate professor of Black church studies at Duke Divinity School. “As a person growing up in a Black church, it was impossible to miss.”

 

According to research published Oct. 7 by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, Black churches are more likely than all other Christian churches to participate in election-related activities, but some experts are concerned the church’s efforts won’t have as much influence as previous years, citing a decline in church attendance.

A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that young Black adults are less likely to attend predominantly Black congregations, and 46% of Black adults in Generation Z say they “seldom or never” attend church.

“Increasingly our young people have no experience with church and don’t have those same sorts of cultural ties,” Cooper told McClatchy News.

She remembers hearing adults in her congregation discussing candidates during the coffee hour or after service, she said, adding that through her church community she understood the sacrifice Black people made to be able to vote.

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