![]() ![]() This year, Republicans have zeroed in on Mr. Black church leaders across the state quickly condemned the move, calling it offensive and an attack on Black church traditions. In 2020, his Republican opponent, Kelly Loeffler, repeatedly called him a “radical” and used footage of his old sermons to paint him as a dangerous candidate. Warnock supporters at the College Park rally, held with former President Barack Obama. Republicans have seized on that posture, criticizing in particular his views on abortion, policing and the role of race and racism in American life. Warnock has described himself as a “Christian progressive” in the mold of Dr. Though he embraces politics from the pulpit and makes frequent mention of his home church on the trail, his Senate and campaign aides say that his function as a pastor operates entirely separate from his political roles. ![]() Warnock has been senior pastor at Ebenezer since 2005 and committed to maintaining the post from the earliest days of his 2020 special election campaign. The church’s national profile, though, is unmistakable: Large groups of tourists sit in the pews alongside regular churchgoers, thousands watch its services via livestream, and outside its doors anti-abortion protesters hold signs criticizing Mr. “I thank God for this record voter turnout, but don’t you let up,” he added, to a standing ovation.Įbenezer Baptist, in Atlanta’s historically Black Sweet Auburn neighborhood, practices a prophetic faith tradition not unlike many Black churches, calling on its members to challenge oppressive systems and be of service to marginalized groups. “Something happens when people find their voice,” he told the congregation, imploring them not to “mute your own voice.” He was back in the pulpit on Sunday, however, with Scripture-specific anecdotes as well as calls for Medicaid expansion and turning out to vote. He still presides over most Sunday services, although he has invited several guest preachers in recent weeks as Election Day nears. Warnock has maintained a consistent presence at Ebenezer while in the Senate. Warnock preaching at Ebenezer Baptist in 2018. This approach has invited outsized support and scrutiny for both his candidacy and his church, where the Rev. Speaking to an electorate and church community that have taken an increasingly pessimistic view of politics, he also underlines his belief that change in both arenas is still possible. He has made blending the religious and the political a cornerstone of his campaign to highlight his belief in the need for social and political renewal. You might as well know that you sent a pastor to the Senate.” Warnock addressed a group of canvassers before they knocked on doors around the Atlanta suburb of Douglasville: “I’m not a senator who used to be a pastor. His closing message is the same on the stump as it is in the pulpit: “Keep the faith and keep looking up.” Warnock both preaches and talks politics on the campaign trail, where he invokes Scripture and calls voting “a kind of prayer” before calling for Medicaid expansion and levying thinly veiled criticisms against his Republican opponent, Herschel Walker. Then, at a sanctuary 15 minutes away, with his campaign bus parked out front, he spoke at a Souls to the Polls event, encouraging supporters to vote immediately after church. ![]() First, he delivered a sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor, preaching to his parishioners from the book of Acts and delivering a message about both the healing powers of God and the dangers of power-hungry politicians. On Sunday in Atlanta, he was working double time. ![]()
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