HEY! … PREACHERS … Y’ALL TOO QUIET!

Opinion-Editorial - Winter 2026

--Flo S. Jenkins

What are you going to do?! I’m talking to YOU! About this voting issue. You, men and women who stand boldly in pulpits across the nation? You stand boldly, fearlessly speaking with authority in your Sunday services, because you say God ordained you to tell His Truth. Your pulpit seems a safe place—and you, the ordained one, display courage as you spout Holy Words, often changing lives, claiming complete faith as you speak—and later, expect tithes and offerings. You look good. You speak well. Your devoted followers hang onto your every word.

What words are you telling them, though? Are they alert to the Words from your Bible and how they relate to the world they are experiencing right now? And a world they are likely to experience soon—as the world cracks beneath the spirit of so much wrongdoing? Wrongdoings that you’re possibly not fully addressing. ARE you addressing and pointing out the impending new world? America’s world?

Pastors, HOUSES OF GOD, the churches… those were once the places of safety for Black folks. Once upon a time. When we were afraid—often for our very lives—you provided truthful information, and your church buildings were our safe houses. When we needed truthful and bold answers regarding the things that would affect our lives, we poured into your buildings where you informed us, told us the truth about impending changes, both good and bad.

Yes, sometimes we had serious, urgent meetings in the wee hours, where men of God shared all kinds of things—like how to stay ALIVE!! How to remain safe and avoid brutalities—like hangings, brutal beatings, and other evils. We learned about politics—the “good”, the bad, and the ugly. Because you were well informed with vital information. It was here, in your houses of worship, we learned about VOTING, and why we should not opt out of our long-fought-for-right as American citizens to express our preferences. Martin and his team certainly utilized these safe houses to make plans and share messages with the people. And the messages shared were so important, they spread and influenced folks nationwide!

So, ministers of the Gospel, I pose this question: Would you ever consider opening your house of worship to unite yourselves first and inform each other and your congregations along with the local citizens about vital issues? Do you know what the issues are? What about Project 2025? Are you willing to learn? There are problems—severe ones up ahead. There’s no time to play around with the dangers that only the fearful or the foolish will deliberately ignore. You have a vital part to play, with God’s direction for the plan of action. Right?

Let me get to my point: The lives of millions will change—and not for the better. Democracy and individual rights are in danger. And those many issues will deliberately and negatively affect the Black and Brown communities.

Since you are a man (or woman) of God, surely, He must be giving you words that mean something and say something relevant to your parishioners’ lives. Let me just admit it: I miss Martin Luther King, Jr., and his spirit of loving concern for the people of the world—not just Christians. I miss his courage—walking through the fear to do God’s will. Walking through hate-filled streets, being spat on and beat bloody, disrespected, and jailed. But he trusted God enough to walk through the turmoil of hate. He led the way without depending on others who were perhaps reluctant and fearful—and justifiably so. He had a goal, which was simply to help sick-minded people while simultaneously bringing fairness and important changes to a needy world.

Where’s the spirit of MLK, Jr.?? The bold soldier of God who knew how to deal with opposers as well as how to walk united with those of like mind—intent on making the world wake up and do the right thing—according to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit.

What would Martin’s “united brigade” have done regarding the death of Trayvon Martin more than 5 years ago… along with the many others who’ve suffered brutality and murder in this nation. A nation clearly coming apart and seemingly oblivious to the much-more-evil ahead.

Pastors. Church leaders. Why y’all so quiet?! Huh? I understand fear can be a stronghold. But your parishioners trust you when you tell them “Fear Not. Stand up for the Lord and for what is right.” Are you standing up or hiding? Or avoiding the Truth? As God’s men, women, and moral leaders, surely, He’s shown you what’s up ahead—along with what’s happening right now.

There are people who want to destroy progress. Progress that Martin and others helped establish with their time, blood, sweat, and tears. And their very lives. I’m asking you all to stop hiding. You cannot tell me you don’t see the grave dangers ahead for this nation, for democracy, for Black people and others considered second-class citizens. Please do what you’re called to do—after you get up from your knees in prayer. Jesus didn’t remain on his knees. He got up and made a difference in the world.

I’m begging you to unite. And go public as a united voice to condemn all this bold and crazy stuff intended to cancel any accomplishments made by Black folks. Make America Great Again? Surely, as a pastor—especially a man of God, you understand what that really means! Gather your Christian brothers and, on one accord, warn the nation and especially those with Black and Brown skin to get out and learn more and VOTE! Yes, I said VOTE. Because that’s what we’re supposed to do in this so-called democratic nation.

You folks who are supposedly called ain’t telling folks in the communities nationwide to pray AND VOTE. You can’t keep silent! You’re men of God who we expect to cover us, protect us, alert us to the dangers and evils that are meant to destroy the country and those within it. Especially those who are in your congregations—please encourage them to VOTE.

I continually pray that you men called of God will unite and stop being scared to the point of avoidance and silently running. Make some noise non-violently. Show yourselves as a united Body voicing a conviction that says, “No! Don’t vote for anyone who wants to go back in time—to a time that was full of hate and unfairness. Don’t vote for anyone who will ruin a democratic way of life. Don’t vote for anyone who you know is a consistent liar, has low morals, disrespects women and Black and Brown citizens—even the ignorant ones who schmooze up to him like historical Uncle Toms.”

Please Christians and moral leaders, called of God… GET UP. Get Louder. Unite, and help citizens know their VOTE Is important. Unite and say something of value before it’s too late.

Again, “we” will have to save this nation from itself if it continues down this dark path. And if the “war” breaks out, who will suffer? You… And your parishioners who believed you would tell them the TRUTH and help LEAD the way through these impending perilous times.

Stop asking for more money when you likely have enough. God will surely provide all you need when you are doing what you were called to do: SAVE THE PEOPLE.

Trayvon Martin’s Murder…There Was Still Too Much Silence

I’ve been on this singular “war path” especially since the death/murder of young teenager Trayvon Martin—trying to raise the consciousness of seemingly unconcerned moral leaders/Pastors. During that time, they were too quiet. They seemed numb to what I felt angry about. As a mom of two young men, it was an especially concerning time. But there was so much silence. Just as it is now—from moral leaders like you.

I had made flyers. Passed them out. Trying to stir people and men—especially men of God—to DO SOMETHING. I felt vulnerable, unprotected. I’m sure I was not alone (especially as a Black single mother; but, perhaps others did not express or voice their heart-feelings). At that time, I asked a Christian friend and former co-worker why was there not any unified outrage. And outrage does not mean violence. (Although outrage normally stirs one to find some resolutions.) Why weren’t the Black men saying more… doing more was my question to my friend. His seemingly unbothered response was: “Why you don’t do somethin’?” I was disappointed with his cavalier attitude. But I thought, “Okay. I’ll use my gift to do SOMETHING.”

That’s when I said to myself, “I can only use my personal ‘weapon’—my written words!” I’m a journalist. Writing… that’s my gift. But I didn’t know exactly what to write. I wanted to scream and cry. In my prayer closet, however, I did both, then began to write – putting together flyers to be placed on cars, especially at some churches. But I seemed helpless and alone in my pain over that young boy’s senseless murder. Black men of God were too QUIET. How angry I felt that once again, there was no Martin, no one in the spirit of Martin rose up to challenge the issue of brutality and murder in the Black community.

It—their silence—continued as a series of Black men, and women, were murdered by the police in places across the nation. It’s just as horrible when they are senselessly beaten, robbed, and murdered in their neighborhoods by their Black brethren; but now, more were being murdered by those who were supposed to protect them.

So, now, as a democratic nation, we’ve continued to “progress” in the areas of murders—physically and emotionally. George Floyd’s cruel public murder caught international attention, and I’m quite sure that’s the main reason the perpetrators (policemen) were held accountable. Nevertheless, Black people are still continually getting the brunt end of the stick. And now, it seems that legalized murder is on the rise. Not just physical murders, but murder and annihilation of our progress and our hard-fought-for human rights.

White folks on a large scale—including those in the justice system, even with the help of Uncle Toms in the court systems, i.e. Supreme Court—are saying, essentially: “No more niggah progress. They gittin’ too uppity. And Barack Obama? How’d THAT happen?! We’ll never let that happen again.” (Will that be the outcry now that Kamala Harris, a woman, a Black/Asian woman is running for President?)

So, clearly, we see the fears of too many White people—including many identifying as Christians—evangelicals especially—who believe America is their land. Their country! So, their outcry is “We Gotta Make America Great Again!” And the intent to do it at any cost is clear enough for even a fool to see what’s up ahead.

Mr. Trump—this nation’s EX-President—has opened the door to allow (and, perhaps, based on public comments, encourage) lawlessness to run free. This ugliness is not only “in the air” but also in actuality in all aspects of American life. The once-hidden racists are out of the shadows and now free to be who they always were. This lawlessness is eased and overlooked with the help of the Court systems—I’m speaking of the judges who are biased and unabashedly so. And, I repeat—there’s much more frightening mess ahead.

Sadly, whenever there has been major suffering placed upon Black folks, it was compounded and often supported by Black folks, who became allies of the evil-doers. How sick is that! Unfortunately, nothing’s changed over the course of America’s history. Uncle Toms are alive and well—from Supreme Court’s Clarence Thomas to too many Black preachers who actually overlook evils and character flaws and literally support a sick and tyrannical man like ex-President Donald Trump and his agenda. It’s amazing to see the contradictions: They speak so harshly of sins that are committed by some; but are clearly accepting the same sins of Mr. MAGA.

It’s no wonder too many young people have no respect for, nor confidence in the Christians and pastors and, therefore, care less about attending church. They see the continual lies and contradictions. So, we’re at a very serious turning point.

I’ve cried out for the Christian pastors to open their eyes and then speak with ONE UNITED VOICE and urge Black and other minority citizens to understand what’s really at stake, and VOTE. Vote! Not based on age, racial background, or gender, but on character and capability to fairly handle the job as President of a long admired democratic nation-- AMERICA. Not selecting a liar who’s bold enough to lie in your face and do it over and over with such abandonment of care. Clearly, he has practiced this behavior throughout his life—and has been “successful” because of how well he has been trained in misrepresenting the truth—without strong, fearless challengers—and obviously no severe consequences. He has simply LIED his way to his status in life. What a sad example for our young folks, many of whom will follow his example.

So, I’m using my gift of writing to blow the warning whistle. The signs are clear. Every right you’ve fought for and gained as a Black American will likely be challenged and/or snatched away as millions use their vote to so-called >>> MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

C’mon Godly preachers, let me, and others like me, see you (i.e., on a tv show, on news shows, in newspapers) stand up as a unified voice of brave God-inspired messengers and urge Black folks nationwide to VOTE! Perhaps you simply tell the people something like this:

“You DO Matter; otherwise, why is there such a great move to reverse laws and tear down your progress? All your educational facilities will be affected and so many more of your achievements and individual rights are also on the line. I’m urging you to VOTE! And I pray there will be a bigger United Voice to stand together with us/me in this effort.”

I’m not sure what you—the pastors and/or moral leaders—will say or do upon reading my concerns—which I’m sure are not my concerns alone. Will they sit quietly and fearfully on the sidelines?

Martin—I miss you. The world needs your strength and tireless obedience to TRUTH. You walked through what must have been unimaginable fear to courageously stand up for what you believed was right—based on Christian principles. Thank you, and those others who stood with you, for NOT being quiet at a time when your righteous voice and action were needed.

Black Christian pastors and moral leaders of all races and backgrounds, can you take a united stand this time and walk through the fear? We need you to help this very sick nation and world with a LOUD, STRONG, TRUTHFUL VOICE OF DIGNITY. Out of two potential leaders of this nation—pray, listen, use Godly wisdom—choose the one who is not threatening to make American Great Again at the expense of progress earned and fought for. Pastors—and VOTERS, America will never be Great without your courage to stand against the evils—including the potential violence—awaiting.

No one is perfect–but do your best to choose the best. Study and know what’s at stake.

VOTE. Encourage those under your care and guidance to do likewise—and not be taken back to a time we fought and died to overcome.