The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

@ajc.com

Our mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news for the people of Atlanta, Georgia and the South. ajc.com

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The AJC’s 2026 Voter Guide helps you stay informed about the latest races, candidates and election news across the state. We break down where candidates stand on key issues and provide essential voting information. Your vote matters, and we’re here to help you make it count. bit.ly/4sdjLpr

bit.ly2026 Georgia Voter Guide: Key races, candidates and how to voteFind the latest Georgia election news, candidate information, voting deadlines and coverage of the 2026 Senate and gubernatorial races in the AJC’s Georgia voter guide.

The Black church has long shaped Black communities and American politics. But as congregations grow and political views shift, the relationship between faith, race and politics is changing.

In the latest episode of "Curiosities of the South," AJC producer Najja Parker explores the competing perspectives reshaping the Black church and what they could mean for its political influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Full episode now on YouTube: bit.ly/3VXcdex

bit.lyWhat's happening to the Black church? | Full EpisodeA shift is emerging within the Black church. As nondenominational churches like Philip Anthony Mitchell's 2819 grow and voting patterns change, some pastors are questioning the role race and politics should play in church life. Others are finding new political alignment with President Trump and the Republican Party. For generations, Black churches have helped organize communities, build political movements and shape American history. From the Civil Rights Movement to modern elections, they have been among the most influential institutions in Black America. So what happens when that relationship between faith and politics starts to change? In this episode of "Curiosities of the South," AJC and UATL producer Najja Parker returns to the world she grew up in to find answers. Her journey takes her from one of Atlanta's fastest-growing megachurches to Ebenezer Baptist Church, home of Martin Luther King Jr.'s ministry, as she explores the competing ideas reshaping the Black church today. Along the way, she examines questions about race, identity, political influence and faith, and asks what these changes could mean for the future of the Black church and its role in American politics as voters head into the 2026 midterm elections. Chapters: 00:00 - I Thought I Knew Why I Left Church 02:01 - Inside the Rapid Growth of 2819 Church 05:00 - Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell: "This Is Not a Black Church" 07:29 - How the Black Church Became a Political Force 10:46 - Why Some Black Churches Are Moving Away From Politics 13:57 - The Black MAGA Pastor Trying to Change Black Politics 17:33 - What Is the Future of the Black Church? 20:58 - Thanks for Watching! Subscribe to the AJC's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ajcvideo?sub_confirmation=1 Follow the AJC: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ajc Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ajcnews Twitter/X - https://x.com/AJC Subscribe to the AJC: https://www.ajc.com Subscribe to UATL: https://www.uatl.com/membership Get more of UATL: ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsuatl/ ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsuatl ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsUATL/ ► Twitter: https://x.com/itsuatl ► Threads: https://www.threads.com/@itsuatl ► Website: https://www.uatl.com/ ► Newsletter: https://www.uatl.com/newsletter-signup/ #AJC #documentary #black #church #politics #midtermelections