- Title: Ohio churches take their 'Souls to the Polls' for the elections
- Date: 3rd November 2024
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) CONGREGATION MEMBER, SANDRA MOODY-GRESHAM, SAYING: "The education that's provided through the church, helps individuals connect the dots between what this vote means and how it impacts everything they do in their livelihood, in their households. So it's critically important. So we encourage people to go, take that, cast that vote, take the time. This
- Embargoed: 17th November 2024 23:50
- Keywords: Church Election Sermons Souls to the Polls Voting
- Location: COLUMBUS, OHIO, UNITED STATES
- City: COLUMBUS, OHIO, UNITED STATES
- Country: US
- Topics: North America,Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA003684903112024RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Churches across Ohio have been using their sermons to promote the power of voting during Sunday services.
With the final day of early voting taking place on November 3, a Sunday, churches were making an additional effort to get their congregations to the polls.
Pastor Dr. Scottie L. Aaron from the Friendship Baptist Church in Columbus spoke at length during his sermon about the power of voting. While he was speaking, voting signs popped up in the congregation.
Speaking outside the church, Pastor Aaron said, "we take voting very seriously. Every Sunday this month, I'm taking out some time in the midst of our worship service to explain to our members how so many of our ancestors, our forefathers, have died for this right, have given up so much that we must make our voices known. And we do that at the ballot box."
Aaron isn't the only pastor in Columbus trying to get his congregation to go from church to the polls.
Pastor Keith Alan Troy from New Salem Baptist Church has a drive called 'Souls to the Polls' and came directly from his service to the Franklin County polling station.
"We're excited today that after this morning's service, we encourage all our people to come and make sure they vote," Troy said.
According to church members, the benefit of talking about politics during services is it starts a discussion about local issues; while many are occupied with who the president will be, church-goers discuss which candidates suit their needs locally.
Jasmine Ayres, a member of 'Souls to the Polls' said, "I would say that church is really what sets your moral foundations so that when you do become of age to enter politics and to be involved, you understand how to evaluate a candidate on more than just, you know, their rhetoric."
Janie Cole was one of Pastor Troy's congregation and came straight from church to vote.
"One thing about our leader, Pastor Troy, he doesn't tell you who to vote for. He just tells you to get out and make sure that you vote folks, you know. This is our choice. This is our responsibility," she said.
(Production: Louisa Off, Rollo Ross) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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