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Black Pastors Deny Quick Pick Candidate Endorsements

Cyd Hoskinson
/
WJCT News

A group of local black pastors whose names are on a flier that purports to show the candidates they endorse in next week’s primary election will tackle the issue congregation by congregation.

The hand-out is called “Pastors Quick Picks.” One of those listed is Jeffrey Rumlin, pastor of Dayspring Church on Dunn Avenue.

Rumlin said Thursday he wants to make it clear that he wasn’t approached about being included.

“I was not asked. I, as an individual, did not give my permission for my name to be used in any documentation for anything political.”

Rumlin said pastors, especially, need to be mindful of their responsibility to their congregations and the community at large.

“Especially in the African American church community, congregants look to their pastoral leaders for guidance, for wisdom and for insight,” he said.  

If he’s preaching one thing and a document comes out allegedly showing he believes something different, Rumlin said, “that influence can be misconstrued. That’s why we have to protect the influence of our voice.”

The Reverend H.T.Rhim of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church on W. 1st Street had also been surprised to find his name on the list, and he joined with Pastor Rumlin Thursday to voice his displeasure.

“Rumors start everywhere and you never know who started them,” Rhim said. “But,” he added, “Satan is always busy. Always. But we’re on top of it.”

It’s not known who paid for the Pastors Quick Pick flier but its purpose may be part of a campaign to defeat Circuit Judge Mark Hulsey at the polls.

Hulsey has come under fire for sexist and racial comments he’s alleged to have made including telling a female staff attorney that blacks should go back to Africa.

In July, state judicial regulators reassigned Hulsey to handle probate cases while investigators look into the matter.

Hulsey has denied any impropriety.

He faces challenger Gerald Wilkerson in next week’s primary election. 

Reporter Cyd Hoskinson can be reached at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6969 or on Twitter at @cydwjctnews

 

Cyd Hoskinson began working at WJCT on Valentine’s Day 2011.