For nearly thirteen years, Steve Bezner tiptoed a fine line between being “political and partisan” from the pulpit. The pastor of Houston Northwest Church knew his Baptist congregation leaned Republican, but he felt that taking political sides could divide churchgoers and denigrate the organization’s mission. Then Bezner and the church decided to close during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, partnered with Black congregations and local police on racial-reconciliation initiatives. About 100 of the 2,100 congregants left.The exodus was manageable, if disheartening. “I’ve always said that there is a difference between speaking about issues and candidates,” Bezner told me this week. “And I certainly received pressure from church members to endorse or denounce candidates. But there was always the protection…
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