Enough is enough, ministers tell Carson
GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson shakes hands during a stop in Winston-Salem on Tuesday afternoon at Berean Baptist Church. (Photo by Todd Luck)
By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson visited Winston-Salem. Carson made an appearance at Berean Baptist Church, 2135 Thomasville Road.
While Carson spoke and shook hands, across town at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive, The Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity held a press conference to protest Carson’s position on Muslims in politics.
During a recent interview with Chuck Todd of NBC, the hopeful Republican candidate made derogatory remarks about Muslims in political positions.
When asked if he believed Islam was consistent with the Constitution, he said he would not agree with a Muslim becoming president.
“No, I do not. I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that,” Carson said.
According to reports, Carson is second in national polls of Republicans running for the nomination.
Bishop Todd Fulton, president of The Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity said he was disappointed that Carson would make such a statement.
“We are disappointed that a man whose ancestors were slaves and oppressed in this country for years would make such a statement,” said Fulton. “We are troubled and disturbed by his comments.”
Fulton and other members of the conference believe faith or religion should never come into question when it comes to running the country, and that it is time to stand up and fight against those who share a similar position toward religion as Carson.
“We are here today to fight against all those who are using religion as a tool to divide this country,” said Fulton. “We will not continue to allow these forces of insanity to divide our community any longer.”
The Rev. Alvin Carlisle, who is pastor at Exodus United Baptist Church, said Carson and other presidential candidates who share his views are crossing a line that should never be crossed.
“We come here today to say to Dr. Carson and others that we are not going sit by idle while they tear this country apart.”
“We are here today to say enough is enough,” Carlisle said.
According to members of the conference, they will hold other protests to fight against others who share Carson’s position when it comes to religion.
Although many of the members of the conference are of the Christian faith, Fulton said he has reached out to a number of followers of the Islamic faith.
“We have been in contact with a number of our Muslim brothers,” said Fulton. “Although they were not able to make it today, they assured us that we have their full support.”
Dr. John Mendez, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, also spoke during the press conference.
“As religious leaders, we stand for peace and unity,” Mendez said. “That is one of the few things that is going to save this country and the world.”
