Faith and Progressive Politics: An Intersection in Detroit
In Detroit, a diverse group, including progressive pastors, imams, and a rabbi, gathered to discuss religion and politics. Despite the humor, the meeting held a sense of urgency as Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, shared how his Muslim faith shapes his progressive ideals.
El-Sayed asked the faith leaders, “What does the inspiration of holding yourself accountable to something bigger than you mean for what you do for the people around you?” He emphasized the importance of action, “If you can’t eat food and I have something to do about it, I better do it.”
Progressive Democrats have gained traction, with many citing religion to justify their positions amid frustrations over inequality and economic concerns. “We’re in an era of historical inequality,” El-Sayed remarked, noting that most Abrahamic faiths impose responsibilities on the wealthy.
The roundtable followed a major rally featuring figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who support El-Sayed, although he is not a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Critics label him too radical for a swing state, despite endorsements from liberal allies.
El-Sayed could become the first Muslim senator in the U.S. His opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, did not comment. Progressive ideologies hold diverse meanings for generations, and religious support for progressive movements is long-standing.
This alignment crosses party lines. Moderate candidates, such as James Talarico in Texas, also highlight their faith. However, Republicans often accuse the Democratic progressive wing of lacking religious belief.
“Republicans and conservatives believe in natural rights from a creator. Communism rejects this, offering a secular view,” stated Douglas Blair from Heritage Action for America.
Megan Romer, DSA national co-chair, acknowledges the fear of socialism among some religious groups. Yet, among younger Americans, ties between socialism and atheism are weaker than for generations familiar with the Cold War.
For many Democrats of faith, progressive ideologies do not contradict beliefs. Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X serve as models for intertwining faith and politics.
Reverend Andrew Wilkes, from the Double Love Experience Church, connected his interest in democratic socialism to a moral compass inspired by faith.
Romer points out that certain Christian interpretations focus on individual connections with God, while others, like early Christians, emphasized communal living.
Faith-driven economic focus goes beyond elections. Organizations like Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice support worker rights, reflecting broader religious involvement in economic issues.
About half of U.S. adults view capitalism positively, a decline from 61% in 2010. Democrats and independents have contributed to this shift.
Donald Trump and other Republicans often view these changing attitudes as opposed to religion, using phrases like “godless communists” to describe progressive candidates.
Within the Democratic Party, despite differing views on various topics like support for Israel, economic issues remain critical for El-Sayed’s campaign. He believes removing money from politics is essential for affordability.
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, acknowledges that his Islamic faith can be misunderstood or misused. He views living by one’s values as crucial, beyond merely admiring them.
The meeting concluded with faith leaders offering prayers, with Rev. Horace Sheffield expressing support for El-Sayed, “Lord, let him win.”
The Associated Press, in collaboration with The Conversation US, receives support from Lilly Endowment Inc. for religion coverage. The AP is the sole content provider.