Over 1000 Christian leaders have come out in endorsement of vice president Kamala Harris, according to CNN.
The collective backing includes prominent figures such as Rev William J. Barber II from North Carolina, who has actively advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza with the Biden administration.
Barber said: “In a moment like this… every voter must make a choice, and my choice is to oppose the dangerous politics that (Donald) Trump and the MAGA movement have unleashed by supporting the ticket that can defeat this potential for American fascism.” He clarified that his endorsement was made in a personal capacity.
Harris has been ramping up efforts to mobilise Black Christian voters. Raised in a Black Baptist church in Oakland, she recently joined forces with Rev Amos C. Brown III for a “souls to the polls” initiative in the swing state of Georgia.
When asked by CNN’s Anderson Cooper whether she prays every day, Harris said: “Sometimes twice a day. I was raised to believe in a loving God, to believe that your faith is a verb.”
Republican former president Donald Trump has also sought to appeal to religious voters - particularly White evangelicals. He told a rally last week that God had spared his life “for a reason”, following July’s assassination attempt.
Trump has also sought to court the Muslim vote in Michigan amidst criticism from some religious communities towards Harris over the Biden administration’s policies on Israel and Gaza.
He told a Michigan crowd: “Jews, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons, Muslims are joining our cause in larger numbers than ever before and now the most wonderful thing is happening. We’re winning overwhelming support from the Muslim and Arab voters right here in Michigan. Can you believe this?”
Washington DC based theologian, Jared Stacy told Premier Christian Radio that both candidates are trying to avoid religious voters opting to spoil their ballots, out of the belief that neither candidate is reflecting their views.
“Fewer people are identifying as evangelicals [than 2020]. There is some indication that some Christians will look at the candidates – particularly on issues like abortion – and choose to not cast a vote.
“Both campaigns are trying to stir up some Christian action at the polls.”