(RNS) — The Progressive National Baptist Convention, a historically Black denomination, affirmed boycotts countering corporate stances against diversity, equity and inclusion, supported alternative shopping campaigns and pledged to advocate for communities affected by Trump administration policies during its annual meeting.
About 2,000 delegates attended the annual session, which concluded in Chicago on Wednesday (July 23).
Speakers during the four-day meeting opposed President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful” budget bill, signed into law on July 4, condemning how it is expected to hurt poor people and benefit the wealthy.
“Budgets are theological documents that are testaments of a nation’s value,” said the Rev. Willie D. Francois III, co-chair of the PNBC’s Social Justice Commission. “What we see in that big ugly bill is racism and capitalism entering into an orgy with oligarchy and authoritarianism.”
The Rev. David Peoples, PNBC president, said his denomination supports the boycott of Target promoted since Ash Wednesday by the Rev. Jamal Bryant, an Atlanta-area megachurch pastor. Bryant said at the meeting the retailer had not met campaign demands, which include restoring the company’s commitment to DEI principles and pledging money to Black-owned banks and businesses.
“We will also launch a ‘buycott’ campaign to direct our dollars toward businesses that uplift, not undermine, Black lives,” Peoples said at a Tuesday news conference.
The Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III addresses the annual session of the Progressive National Baptist Convention in Chicago. (Photo by Gandhi Pinder)
He joined other speakers at the news conference in critiquing the Christian right, particularly Christian nationalism.
“White Christian nationalism may be loud, but the Black church is louder,” Peoples said. “We’re louder when we are united. We’re not afraid, we are not ashamed, we’re not going back. We choose community over chaos, justice over apathy, freedom over fear.”
The Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, a Dallas pastor and co-chair of the PNBC’s Social Justice Commission, said at the news conference: “America has hell to pay if the Christian right does not get it right and repent, and we call upon the Christian right to repent and reunite in holy wedlock Jesus and justice. Make the needs of the people holy.”
At sessions focused on social justice, PNBC leaders and guest speakers urged greater response and a unified front with religious and civic organizations to address expected federal budget implications.
