On the next American Black Journal: Our “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the intersection of religion and politics, considering both Detroit mayoral candidates in the November 4th election — Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr. — are ministers.

Host Stephen Henderson sits down for an in-depth conversation with Rev. Dr. Theodore Turman, president of Ecumenical Theological Seminary, and Rev. QuanTez Pressley, lead pastor at Third New Hope Baptist Church. Both guests give their thoughts on the fact that regardless of who wins, a minister will occupy the Manoogian Mansion next year. They discuss how faith may play a role in the new mayor’s agenda for the city, and they address whether the Black church community will have a different type of relationship with the next mayor.

Additionally, Dr. Turman talks about the diverse needs of Black churches in the city and what he sees as one of the biggest challenges that currently exists between the Mayor’s Office, congregations and the community. He also speaks about how ministry leaders bring a unique skill and experience of listening to and understanding the concerns of a broad population. Rev. Pressley outlines what he feels are three major issues in the city where the church can serve as a value add for the new mayor.

He also talks about his participation in the Lift Every Voice & Vote Detroit initiative, which enlists the help of churches to get all eligible Detroiters registered to vote and to exercise that right on Election Day. Plus, Henderson poses a question to both guests about what they would say to the winning mayoral candidate on the day after the election.