The recent revelations about North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, who is currently running for governor in the upcoming November election, are deeply troubling. As a leader in our community and as a pastor, I feel a moral obligation to speak out against the rhetoric he continues to spread—rhetoric that not only harms vulnerable communities but also threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
Robinson’s attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, his antisemitic remarks, and most recently, the revelation of his shocking comments condoning slavery have caused understandable outrage. These aren’t simply personal opinions; they are a reflection of dangerous ideologies that, if allowed to enter higher office, could lead to devastating consequences—not just for our state, but for the entire nation.
The power of words cannot be underestimated. The Bible teaches us that "the tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21), and Mark Robinson's history of statements of his own beliefs demonstrate just how much damage can be inflicted through reckless and hateful speech.
While I as a pastor will not publicly endorse any candidate, it is crucial that we focus on the policies, beliefs, and behaviors of the people we elect, because their decisions will shape our future. This isn’t about one race in one state—it’s about who we are as a country and the values we choose to uphold.
It is important to note that this is not an attack on Robinson as a person. We all face struggles, and he may be grappling with his own challenges. Perhaps his vehement attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are born out of unresolved internal conflicts around his own identity, sexuality, or experiences. But that doesn’t excuse the harm he is causing. Robinson's rhetoric is not just careless—it is dangerous.
Any political figure, leader or person of influence using the platform they have to spew hatred is fueling the flames of division in a time when we need unity and compassion more than ever.
The Danger of Hate in Elected Office
The impact of Mark Robinson’s statements goes beyond North Carolina. The belief that some people should be enslaved or that entire communities should be marginalized due to their identity is a form of hatred that has no place in any public office. It is more than a political problem—it is a moral issue. When a candidate for governor or any other elected office espouses such views, it sets a dangerous precedent for the kind of policies that can be enacted and normalized across the country.
Hate, when embedded in political leadership, doesn’t just remain confined to speeches or soundbites—it becomes policy. It shows up in laws that restrict the rights of marginalized people, in the dismantling of systems meant to protect the vulnerable, and in the erosion of the very principles of equality and justice that our nation was founded on. We have seen it before, and history teaches us that when hatred and bigotry enter positions of power, it harms not just those being targeted but the entire society.
The Cost of Division to Our Nation
When people in power target marginalized communities—whether through racist rhetoric, homophobic policies, or antisemitic conspiracy theories—they create an environment where division, distrust, and fear can flourish. These divisions harm us all. The LGBTQ+ community, Jewish Americans, Black Americans, and other marginalized groups are particularly at risk, but the impacts ripple far beyond those immediate targets.
When hate is normalized at the highest levels of leadership, it gives license to discrimination and violence. This is not just about Mark Robinson’s comments on slavery or his attacks on specific communities; it’s about a broader pattern of using fear and division to gain power, a tactic that we’ve seen repeatedly throughout history with devastating consequences.
As we enter election season, it is crucial to remember that the decisions made by elected officials affect everyone. Policies born from hatred and division will not bring justice or peace to our country; instead, they will sow chaos and suffering, further tearing apart the fabric of our nation. As people of faith, we are called to promote justice, compassion, and unity. This moment in history demands that we hold our leaders to a higher standard, one that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all people.
The Role of Policy in Shaping Our Future
As a pastor, I cannot and will not endorse any specific candidate. However, I can and must speak out about the policies and actions of those seeking office. This is not about partisanship—it is about the moral responsibility we have to ensure that those who hold power in our nation use it to uplift, not to tear down. We must carefully examine the policies that candidates propose and the beliefs they hold, because their leadership will have real and lasting effects on the lives of millions.
Electing leaders who espouse hateful views sends a clear message about the kind of future we are building. We must ask ourselves: Are we willing to accept leadership that uses hatred, racism, and bigotry as tools to gain power? Are we willing to ignore the impact of divisive rhetoric and harmful policies on the most vulnerable among us? If the answer is no, then we must act accordingly.
This election season, we have the opportunity—and the obligation—to choose leaders who will stand for justice and equality, not for division and intolerance. This is not just a challenge for North Carolina; it is a challenge for the entire nation. The people we elect at every level of government—from local offices to the highest positions in the land—will shape the direction of our country for years to come.
We Cannot Afford to Elect Hate
Our country is at a crossroads. Across the nation, we are seeing a rise in candidates and leaders who, like Mark Robinson, have built their platforms on division, fear, and hate. Whether it’s racism, homophobia, antisemitism, or any other form of bigotry, this type of leadership threatens to undo the progress we have made as a nation.
We cannot afford to elect hate into office. We cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into complacency, thinking that these views are simply words or political theater. The policies that follow from these hateful ideologies will affect real lives—our lives, the lives of our children, and the future of our communities.
As people of faith, we are called to uphold the values of love, justice, and compassion. We are taught to love our neighbors, to welcome the stranger, and to care for the least among us. These values are incompatible with the hatred and division being promoted by certain politicians. We cannot remain silent in the face of this; silence only allows hatred to grow unchecked.
A Call for Action
This November, and in every election moving forward, we must vote not just with our political preferences, but with our moral convictions. We must choose leaders who will use their power to build a more just and compassionate world. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.
In my role as pastor, I will continue to encourage dialogue about the values we hold dear and the policies that will create a future rooted in justice and equity for all. I urge you to carefully consider the long-term consequences of electing leaders who traffic in hate. Our votes have the power to shape not only the laws of our land but the soul of our nation.
We cannot allow leaders who condone slavery, who marginalize entire communities, and who peddle division and fear to ascend to the highest offices in our country. The future of our nation depends on our willingness to reject hate and embrace leaders who stand for the dignity of every person.
Let us come together, as a community and as a nation, to ensure that our future is one of justice, inclusion, and love—not of hatred and division.
