TL;DR:Across Black churches this past Sunday, fiery sermons rang out in protest of Trump’s new healthcare bill signed into law on July 4th. Pastors William Lamar, Frederick Haynes, and Jamal Bryant took the pulpit to denounce what they call “lethal legislation”—a bill that cuts Medicaid, slashes food assistance, and privileges billionaires while leaving millions vulnerable. This article captures the powerful spiritual, political, and economic critique unfolding from the pulpit to the people.
When the Pulpit Speaks Truth to Power
This Sunday wasn’t just another service. It was a call to arms, a rallying cry from Black pastors who refused to stay silent while a dangerous new bill threatened the lives and dignity of millions. From Washington D.C. to Dallas and Georgia, these pastors lit up their congregations with fire and facts. And they didn’t mince words.
“This is necropolitics. The politics of death.” – Rev. Jamal Bryant
“They are in church… on government-paid healthcare that keeps their evil behind from going underneath the dirt.” – Rev. Frederick Haynes
These sermons weren’t just about faith—they were about facing the facts. And they laid out those facts clearly for every soul in the pews.
The Brutal Reality Behind the Bill
Below is a breakdown of what this bill truly means for everyday Americans:
“They Hate Us So Much, They Hurt Themselves”
The preachers weren’t just talking about Black pain—they made clear this is an American crisis, with white poor communities also devastated by these cuts.
“The majority of those on SNAP are white people. But they hate minorities so much that they will injure themselves just thinking they are punishing us.” – Rev. Jamal Bryant
And when it comes to Medicaid, many Americans don’t even realize they’re on it, simply because each state calls it something else.
Different Names for Medicaid (aka Obamacare)
| State | Medicaid Program Name |
|---|---|
| California | Medi-Cal |
| New York | NYS Medicaid |
| Massachusetts | MassHealth |
| Tennessee | TennCare |
| Oregon | Oregon Health Plan (OHP) |
| Indiana | Healthy Indiana Plan |
| Louisiana | Bayou Health |
| Michigan | Healthy Michigan Plan |
| Wisconsin | BadgerCare Plus |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Works (formerly) |
“They hate Medicaid and ain’t even got sense enough to know they’re on it.” – Dr. Frederick Haynes
The Spiritual Toll: Losing Heart in the Face of Injustice
These pastors also addressed the emotional and spiritual weight of watching injustice win again and again.
“It made me wonder with the psalmist… God, I know that you’re good, but your goodness doesn’t seem to be showing up in dealing with bad people.” – Dr. Haynes
“Jesus said… ‘Pray and not lose heart.’ But sometimes y’all, I lose heart. I run on empty.” – Rev. Bryant
Their message? Faith must meet policy. Prayer must power activism. And pulpits must inform, educate, and enrage ahead of 2026.
What We Must Do Next
This wasn’t just a venting session. The clergy and commentators called for tangible action:
- Organize voters at the grassroots (especially non-voters who stayed home last time).
- Demand that Democrats elevate young leaders like Jasmine Crockett.
- Use the pulpit weekly until the midterms to inform congregations of what’s really at stake.
- Mobilize against policies disguised as prosperity but soaked in inequality.
Final Word
These sermons were more than protests. They were acts of prophetic resistance, reminding America that the soul of this nation hangs in the balance—not in theory, but in food, healthcare, education, and dignity.
If you felt convicted, good.
If you felt angry, good.
If you’re ready to do something about it—better.
Most Un-Christlike Thing Since Slavery”: Frederick Haynes, Black Clergy Shred Trump’s Big Ugly Bill
