Pastors Offer Support Through Painful Election Loss

Harris’ loss was frustrating for the ministers and pastors who’ve emphasized the necessity, and sacred duty, of voting to their parishioners (Photo Credit: Screenshot via Alfred Street Baptist Church). By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware This article was originally published on& Word In Black. Having spent the months and weeks before Election Day encouraging their congregants to vote,& news that former president Donald Trump had defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to retake the White House was a staggering blow to many Black houses of worship. On Wednesday, ministers reflected on the lessons they taught leading up to Nov. 5, and what they can say to heartbroken, angry or frustrated parishioners in the election’s aftermath. The emotions surrounding Harris’ defeat, they say, are a lot like losing a loved one, and they are grieving along with their members.& & It was painful for faith leaders and worshipers alike to watch the reports and to hear& pronouncements of Trump’s victory, especially for pastors who’d worked hard to inspire and encourage their flock to vote. Even worse: the complex knot of emotions of parents, teachers and counselors who had to explain the loss to their children — and to hopeful first-time voters. Yet Harris’...