Religious leaders in Georgia call on the black church to save America

Just hours before U.S. President Joseph R. Biden takes the podium and gives a press conference with the country’s media, some of which are criticizing both his performance at the debate and his lack of transparency regarding a possible withdrawal from the campaign, Georgia religious leaders held their own press conference in the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol.

Bishop Reginald Jackson, presiding prelate of Georgia’s 6th Episcopal District, and the Rev. Timothy McDonald, faith leader of First Iconium Baptist Church on Moreland Avenue, made no secret of why they and a dozen pastors and church leaders were there Thursday morning.

“The Black Church will save America again,” said Rev. McDonald. “The Black Church has saved America time and time again, and we will set record turnout again.”

McDonald and Bishop Jackson answered questions from the media in attendance, but spoke earlier about the need for the current presidential administration and the Democratic Party to show more unity in light of recent opposition to Biden as the party’s presidential nominee.

“Democrats must unite and fight against the enemies of democracy,” Jackson said. “We are at war. This nation is at war against MAGA, Project 2025, white nationalists and attempts to turn back the clock.”

Jackson asked the Republican Party a rhetorical question: “Why didn’t you ask the leader of your party to resign?”

He called on the Democratic Party to focus more on Biden’s record during his three-and-a-half years in office and less on the results of the first duel between him and former US President Donald J. Trump and on recent poll data that show Biden leading by as much as six percentage points in some cases.

“Instead of talking about his age,” Jackson said of Biden, “you can talk about his record.”

In his remarks, Jackson cited low black unemployment, investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the creation of more black-owned businesses during the Biden-Harris administration.

Despite his many talking points, Jackson’s most frequently repeated message was unity within the party.

“The goal is to win,” he said. “To win, you have to be united.”

McDonald also used his time behind the microphones and in front of the camera to ask questions.

“I wonder who supports Donald Trump. It’s the radical religious right. The same people who supported slavery.”

He continued: “We know the character of Donald Trump. I do not question his character. I question the character of anyone who calls themselves a Christian and supports Donald Trump.”

Jackson and McDonald took turns calling on the media to provide voters with the right information, calling the media “tools” to tell the truth.

“The media is a tool,” McDonald said. “It’s a good tool. You all should tell the truth. If Donald Trump wins, there will be no freedom of the press. We need you to bring the truth to light.”

The Atlanta Voice asked Jackson how important the president’s 5:30 p.m. press conference was to slowing or ending rumors of Biden’s political decline. Jackson said the opportunity for Biden to speak directly to the nation through the press was “critically important.”

“I think he’ll be prepared,” Jackson added. “What I like about Joe Biden is that he tells the truth with or without a teleprompter.”

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