Vice President Kamala Harris recently thanked leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church for their support and expressed her determination to move the country forward for them. However, the church’s leaders struck down a bill that would have ended the AME church’s ban on same-sex marriage during its 52nd quadrennial conference. The church, a predominantly Black church in the U.S., has a history of involvement in politics, with 92% of its congregants identifying as Democrats. Despite this, the church’s stance on same-sex marriage remains out of step with the Democratic Party, as indicated by its resistance to legalizing gay marriage.
Harris, who has been vocal about advancing LGBTQ rights, has criticized Republicans for their efforts to limit equality measures. She has referred to GOP lawmakers who have pushed anti-equality bills as “extremists” and has pointed out their discriminatory policies. While the vice president did not address LGBTQ issues in her recent message to the AME church’s conference, she emphasized economic, health, and religious liberty issues. Harris urged the congregation to work towards moving the nation forward and emphasized the importance of faith guiding them in doing so.
On the other hand, the AME church has taken a firm stance against gay marriage, citing biblical interpretations that contradict the legalization of same-sex marriage. The church’s recent vote to maintain its ban on gay marriage reflects internal disagreements on this matter, with 896 members opposed to ending the ban and 722 in favor of it. Despite the church’s position on gay marriage, its support has been vital in securing victories for Democratic candidates, including President Biden in 2020. However, there seems to be a disconnect between the church’s traditional views on marriage and the progressive stance of the Democratic Party on LGBTQ rights.
The Harris campaign has not addressed questions about whether the vice president was aware of the AME church’s stance on gay marriage before filming her message to the congregation or if she still supports the rights of same-sex couples to marry. This lack of response raises questions about Harris’ alignment with LGBTQ rights in light of the church’s position. The AME church, when reached for comment on this issue, did not respond. This lack of communication between Harris and the church on LGBTQ issues underscores the complexity of balancing political alliances with differing beliefs on social issues.
Despite the potential clash between Harris’ advocacy for LGBTQ rights and the AME church’s position on gay marriage, the vice president emphasized the importance of faith in guiding the congregation forward in her message to the conference. Harris highlighted the promise of America as a place of freedom, opportunity, and justice for all, reinforcing her commitment to advancing equality and justice for marginalized communities. While the church’s stance on gay marriage remains an obstacle to full alignment with the Democratic Party’s progressive platform, its support for Democratic candidates and engagement in politics underscores the importance of navigating differences to achieve common goals. Moving forward, the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Harris, the AME church, and other religious institutions will be essential in addressing complex social issues and advancing equality for all Americans.
