Bob Ray Sanders' Wednesday column, "Preachers telling blacks not to vote is sinful," included a description that led some people to believe that I instructed my congregation not to vote. That is absolutely and unequivocally not true. I've never and will never tell my congregation how to vote or not to vote.
For the upcoming election, I have encouraged the congregation to study the issues and vote their conviction.But to vote for President Barack Obama will advance the same-sex marriage agenda and affirm the Democratic Party platform endorsing it. To vote for Gov. Mitt Romney is to not hold him accountable for racist teachings in the Mormon "Bible."When faced with the choice of two evils, my philosophy is to choose neither.I cannot stand by President Obama and his beliefs on same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is evil, and as it did with Rome, it will lead to the destruction of this great nation.I cannot stand by Mitt Romney, who when asked by Tim Russert in a 2008 interview about the racist history of the Mormon church said he stands by the faith of his fathers.Therefore, I choose to vote for neither. I am seriously considering writing in the name "Jesus Christ" as my candidate.Sanders' article was based on an erroneous story from The Associated Press that stated that African-American pastors are encouraging their congregants not to vote. As Sanders accurately pointed out, no one was quoted with that viewpoint -- because none of us hold that viewpoint.My statement to AP was that I would cast my ballot during the early-voting period for down-ballot races but would not be casting a vote for president. On Election Day, I plan to go fishing. That line was spun into African-American pastors suggesting to parishioners not to vote.My oldest sister informed me the other day that my parents paid a $2 poll tax for the right to vote. Therefore, for me, not voting is not an option.It is not my goal to help or hurt either presidential candidate. It is my goal to advance the Kingdom of God. When one chooses the lesser of two evils, they still choose evil.Wm. Dwight McKissic Sr. is senior pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
