In New Jersey we are in the midst of a gubernatorial election. Elections are always an interesting time in this state especially, it seems, for Black ministers. With another election has come another controversy involving Black ministers. On September 26 I and a group of colleagues announced our personal endorsements of U.S. Senator Jon Corzine for Governor of New Jersey. At the end of the press conference reporters asked questions regarding grants or funds given to Black churches by Senator Corzine. For the record, I and several of the ministers present had received funds for our churches from the senator. Reporters at the press conference asked if our endorsements were credible in that our churches had received grants from the senator. This is a fair and legitimate question.

However, it is not this question that causes controversy for Black ministers. It is the insinuation that the grants or funds given to Black ministers bought our endorsements. In fact, the question regarding whether we thought it was appropriate to accept funds for our churches, and then endorse a candidate, was asked several times. The state’s largest newspaper printed the names of pastor’s who accepted funds for their churches, and how much. As a result Black ministers again find themselves in controversy and the subject of much debat― a debate and scrutiny that has caused many ministers not to accept grants from government or foundations for ministries and programs in their churches, such as after school programs, food pantries, scholarships, day care centers, etc. Others have shied away from seeking to influence policy makers regarding policies that affect our people and communities.

What makes this controversy surrounding Black ministers in New Jersey so interesting is that the involvement of Black ministers in public policy is not an issue anywhere else in the nation. In other states Black ministers receive funds for church programs or community development, and funds from foundations controlled by politicians and there is not the suspicion or allegation that they have been bought off as there is in New Jersey. Right next door in New York City’s mayoral race, Black ministers have endorsed candidates who have given funds to Black churches and there is no controversy. The question is why? Well, let me tell you why.

In 1993 Edward Rollin, who was the campaign manager for Christine Todd Whitman, claimed that the Whitman campaign paid Black ministers to discourage their members from voting in the governor’s race. A national furor erupted. A federal and state investigation proved that Edward Rollins lied. His claims were merely bragging rights against James Carville, who had been Governor James Florio’s campaign manager. Sadly however, many people believed then and still believe that what Edward Rollins said was true.

As a result in every election since 1993, when Black ministers endorse a candidate, the question is asked, “Did you or your church receive money.”

There are several important points to be made regarding this controversy. First, it ignores the fact that Black ministers, including this one have been endorsing candidates prior to 1993 and without receiving funds from anybody. Further, that I and my colleagues, have endorsed Democrats and Republicans, and been critical of officials whom I have endorsed and who have given funds to the church.

Second, it ignores the fact that Sen. Corzine has given more funds to Catholic and Jewish organizations than he has Black churches. Yet, reporters do not ask the religious leaders of these denominations if they have been influenced. Reporters counter that those religious leaders do not endorse candidates. I say, “not so.” The archbishop has a bigger microphone and platform than we do. For example, when the archbishop says to Catholics they should not vote for candidates who are pro choice,that is tantamount to an endorsement.

Third, Black preachers have always been a voice for the voiceless in their communities who fight for those matters important to our people. Our endorsement gives us leverage with our political leadership. If we say nothing or don’t exercise this leverage we hurt and fail our people. The very fact that our endorsements cause controversy is evidence of the leverage we have on behalf of our people. There are those who would like to intimate pressure or seek to embarrass us so that we would stop advocating or fighting on behalf of our people.

It is my hope and prayer that black preachers will continue to be faithful, to be priestly and prophetic, to maintain integrity and character, and to advocate and work on behalf of our people, who in many respects have no one to speak for them but us.