Churches play role in Senate election

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The church. It has always been a place where many turn for inspiration, and for direction. Former Judge Herman Thomas made a decision about his life on the steps of St. James Major Catholic Church. As he announced his intention to run for the District 33 Senate Seat, his pastor and friend Father Patrick Healy looked on. Healy said the church as a whole doesn't officially support one candidate over another. Instead it supports an idea.

"We support good moral issues. We support those who support those issues," said Father Healy.

Healy said as the vote gets closer, the prayers will be plentiful.

"We want a very positive, forward looking campaign," Healy said.

Dr. Wesley James is pastor at Franklin Street Baptist Church and is a leader in the community. He said the church community will be very involved.

"One of the things I've discussed with some of the other pastors is that we need to have a forum so that we can make sure we understand how those persons who are running plan to represent us," said James.

James said it is also important to keep an open mind.

"It's my understanding there are other people who are going to be running as well," James said.

James said it is healthy for the community to have several candidates running. He also said the church will be stressing the importance of the right to vote and not just focusing on the names on the ballot.

The pastor for Gulf Coast Christian Center where Senator Vivian Davis Figures attends was contacted for this story as well. He was out of town and unavailable for an interview.