Harris affirms to African church conference that they will not reverse their stance on gay marriage despite its leaders' vote to ban it.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, expressed gratitude to the leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church for their support this week. However, she noted that the church's leaders do not seem to want to move forward with her on the issue of gay marriage.

At its 52nd quadrennial conference in Columbus, Ohio, the AME church's leaders voted to strike down a bill that would have ended the church's ban on same-sex marriage.

In his speech at the conference, Harris criticized Republicans for attempting to move the country backward.

"We have two distinct visions for our nation's future: one that emphasizes the future and the other that emphasizes the past. However, we are not going backward."

Gay marriage was legalized by the federal government in 2015.

The AME church, founded in the U.S., is predominantly Black and originated due to racial conflict between Black and White congregants in the Methodist church during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. According to Pew Research Center, 92% of AME church congregants identify as Democrats.

In 2020, the AME church's leaders were instrumental in helping elect President Biden, and this year they have supported prominent Democratic candidates during their campaigns.

Despite having a large number of Democratic members, the church's stance on same-sex marriage does not align with the official position of the Democratic Party.

In 2004, the church's leaders declared that gay marriage goes against their interpretation of the Bible, as stated by the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit advocating for LGBTQ rights.

The church's gay marriage ban was recently struck down by a vote of 896 nays and 722 yeas, indicating internal disagreement on the matter.

Harris has criticized Republicans on other "anti-equality" measures, but she appears unbothered by the AME church's stance on gay marriage.

She previously characterized GOP lawmakers who have advocated for keeping biological males out of girls' bathrooms, limiting public drag shows for minors, and restricting transgender care to adults as "extremists."

At a Pride Month event last year, Harris stated that these so-called leaders have enacted over 75 new anti-equality bills nationwide.

Republicans have criticized Harris as a "political chameleon" who changes her policy positions for political gain.

The AME church declined to respond to questions about the vice president's awareness of the church's stance on gay marriage before filming her message at the conference or if she still supports the rights of same-sex couples to get married. The church hung up on Planet Chronicle Digital when they tried to contact them.

"Harris thanked the congregants deeply for their support and get-out-the-vote efforts, stating that this is the most consequential election of our lifetime. She touched on economic, health, and religious liberty issues but made no mention of LGBTQ issues. Harris urged the congregants to do all they can to move the nation forward."

"The Gospel of Luke teaches us that faith has the ability to illuminate those in the darkness and direct our feet towards the path of peace. In times of uncertainty, faith serves as our guide. Our faith in the American promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice for all is what propels us forward."