Applause and cheers are still echoing across the country over the historic election of Sen. Kamala Harris as the first Black, first Asian and first female Vice President.
Experts of every ethnicity and profession have weighed in on how Harris’ new role will affect various areas of society, including the Los Angeles faith-based community where several leaders cited the benefits of her spiritual involvement in the campaign.
The Rev. Edward “Eddie” Anderson, pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church in L.A., equated Harris’ election as a response to the “faith, prayers and cries for justice of Black folks.”
Anderson declared, “Scripture records greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. Perhaps, for such a time as this, God has elevated our sister to stand with the people to call forth justice and equity and to show the nation that light still shines in the darkness.”
The Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor, pastor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church in Los Angeles” commended others in the nationwide Black network, such as Congressman James Clyburn and Stacey Abrams, for uniting people to support Biden/Harris campaign and “demonstrating the power of prayer and unity.”
Minor noted, “Black Women for Biden/Harris across the United States assembled virtually for prayer for a common purpose that resulted in the presidential election of Biden and Harris. If we labor in unity, celebrating our commonalities more than our differences, changes for the good of all people are the results!”
The Rev. James K. McKnight, pastor of Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship in L.A., celebrated the vice president-elect’s “progressive Christian roots,” which he believes will lead to more economic and social justice opportunities.”
“She has deep faith in our loving God, so we, the vulnerable and the voiceless will have an advocate, a change agent and a leader who understands that community trust is imperative,” said McKnight.
Adding another perspective, Minor said, “The entire election process is a teachable moment for the Black faith community. It reminds us that the Church is a theocracy where Jehovah (God) is the supreme ruling authority. Therefore, our trust is in God. Human beings are intermediaries used to impart divine guidance, not secular dogma. Kamala Harris is the chosen vessel to execute God’s divine plan for such a time as this.”
