Our “Black Church in Detroit” series continues a conversation we started last month about the connection between religion and politics.

Host Stephen Henderson sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Rev. Barry Randolph, pastor at Church of the Messiah; Rev. Dr. Constance Simon, minister of Christian Education at Fellowship Chapel; and Rev. Dr. Georgia Hill, pastor of LifeChurch Riverside. They talk about the impact of today’s political climate on the Black church and the potential for attacks on congregants’ faith. Pastor Barry reflects on the Black church’s past involvement in the civil rights movement and how the church has always been proactive and followed the word of Jesus Christ. He also stresses the importance of reading the Bible to know the true teachings of Jesus. Dr. Simon talks about how everything Jesus did was political, and she discusses the ramifications of the current political and social changes in this country.  Dr. Hill talks about her concern over the misinterpretation of scriptures and how the Black church must stand up for the truth based on what Jesus really said.

Additionally, the guests discuss the implications of the recent mass shooting at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan and other attacks at churches. They talk about taking church security measures, while still being able to keep their doors open to everyone. The group also responds to Henderson’s question about the possibility of Black churches connecting with other believers who have different views on righteousness and religion.