Dem Pastor Urges Church to Say ‘Black Lives Matter’, Sparks Controversy
Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton’s 2018 remarks on racism and ‘black lives matter’ draw attention amid tight Senate race.
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Kansas Democratic Senate candidate Adam Hamilton sparked controversy in 2018 by urging his mostly white congregation to declare ‘black lives matter,’ a statement that reportedly led to some members leaving his church. During a webinar titled ‘Pastoring in Partisan Times,’ Hamilton discussed the challenges of addressing racism in rural America, where he encountered Confederate flags and heard divisive rhetoric on local radio.
Rural Racism and Communication Challenges
Hamilton emphasized the difficulty of communicating anti-racism messages in areas where such discussions are met with resistance. He argued that the phrase ‘black lives matter’ was necessary because many Black individuals questioned whether their lives were valued, unlike white lives, which are rarely in question.
“The reason why we have to say ‘black lives matter’ is because right now it doesn’t feel like black lives matter,” Hamilton said. “The reason why we don’t have to say ‘white lives matter’ is nobody questions whether white lives matter,” he added.
Response and Campaign Clarification
In response to the Daily Wire’s inquiry, Hamilton’s campaign clarified that he was not calling anyone racist. Instead, they emphasized his focus on finding common ground and bridging divides. “As a pastor, Adam has practiced listening for 36 years, and this is another example of how he believes on even the hardest issues we can find common ground,” said Tyson Brody, a campaign spokesperson.
Political Context and Tight Race
Hamilton’s remarks come amid a closely contested Senate race against Republican incumbent Roger Marshall. Polling shows the race is unusually tight in a state that has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since the 1930s. Republicans have shifted financial resources to support Marshall’s re-election bid.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, acknowledged the race’s competitiveness but expressed confidence in Marshall’s chances. “I believe that Kansas is a competitive state,” Scott said. “However, as I look at all the data, it tells me that Roger Marshall will be successful, albeit closer than I want it to be.”
Other Political Comments
Hamilton, who identifies as theologically evangelical but socially liberal, has also spoken about other divisive issues, such as transgender youth and sexual ethics. In a 2019 church talk, he expressed uncertainty about advising parents of young children who identify as transgender, highlighting the complexity of such discussions in a politically charged environment.
Source: Daily Wire
