In Detroit, a noteworthy gathering occurred involving progressive pastors, imams, and a rabbi who met to discuss the interplay between religion and politics. The event featured Abdul El-Sayed, a former gubernatorial candidate now running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan as a Democrat. El-Sayed talked about how his Muslim faith informs his progressive ideology.
El-Sayed, a public health researcher, asked faith leaders in attendance before the upcoming primary, “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 addressing inequality by saying, “If you can’t eat food and I have something to do about it, I better do it.”
Across the country, progressive Democratic candidates have experienced significant electoral successes recently. This trend comes amidst increasing concerns over inequality, affordability, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs. Many of these candidates, and their supporters, cite religious beliefs as a foundation for their political positions.
“We’re in an era of historical inequality,” El-Sayed remarked, noting how Abrahamic faith traditions place a heavy focus on the wealthy’s responsibilities.
This roundtable discussion occurred shortly after a prominent rally for El-Sayed, highlighting his commitment to policies like “Medicare for All.” The rally included speeches from well-known progressives such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
El-Sayed, though not a Democratic Socialists of America member, has received endorsements from liberal allies and members of the DSA. Conversely, some Republicans and centrist Democrats criticize him for being too left-leaning for a swing state. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.
Religious involvement in progressive economic and labor movements is not new. Pope Leo XIV recently reflected on Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical on labor and wages, maintaining the longstanding tradition of Catholic social teaching.
Moderate candidates, like James Talarico in Texas, also utilize their faith as part of their campaigns. Nonetheless, critics like Douglas Blair of Heritage Action for America argue that progressive wings of the party embody atheistic and secular ideologies, challenging conservative beliefs in natural rights from a creator.
Megan Romer, a DSA national co-chair, acknowledges that socialism, often linked to restrictions on religion, signals discomfort for some people of faith.
Despite these tensions, many people of faith find alignment between their beliefs and progressive ideologies such as socialism. Influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X have critiqued capitalism and provided inspiration.
The Rev. Andrew Wilkes, who co-leads the Double Love Experience Church in New York, developed an interest in democratic socialism through personal experiences with the healthcare system. He identifies a connection between socialism and moral guidance, believing faith contributes optimism to societal challenges.
Romer, who joined the DSA partially inspired by Sanders’ presidential campaigns, observes how some conservative interpretations of Christianity focus on individual relationships with God, while her view is one of communal living.
The increasingly faith-driven focus on economic matters doesn’t stop with elections. Organizations like Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice advocate for workers’ rights in congregations throughout Southern California.
“Jesus was a socialist,” argued Luis Cueva of Mother’s Market, citing support from church congregations for unionizing efforts.
A 2020 Gallup poll indicated that approximately half of U.S. adults view capitalism positively, a decrease from previous years, driven in part by changing perspectives among Democrats and independents.
Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans frame these shifting attitudes as contradicting religious principles, referring to progressive candidates as “godless communists.”
Within the Democratic Party, various issues illustrate internal divisions. However, El-Sayed views economic topics as central to his campaign, advocating for reducing financial influence in politics.
As the child of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed acknowledges the potential for his Islamic faith to be misunderstood or exploited. He emphasizes the importance of moral integrity in his political endeavors.
As the meeting concluded, faith leaders offered prayers for El-Sayed’s success. The Rev. Horace Sheffield summed up the gathering’s sentiments, expressing a direct hope for El-Sayed’s victory.