Black churches expected to turn out voters

BOSTON, June 8 (UPI) -- Black churches could play a pivotal role in the U.S. presidential election in November, experts say.

The Boston Herald reported Sunday that the political power of African-American congregations has grown in recent years.

Their backing could help Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, the presumptive Democratic nominee, become the nation's first African-American president.

"The black community historically has been the single most loyal Democratic constituency, and black ministers are of crucial significance in the African-American community," Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman Philip Johnston said.

Democratic, political consultant Michael Shea said in November, black turnout at the polls is going to be 'through the roof," and voter turnout records will likely be shattered.

Although churches cannot endorse a political candidate because of their tax-exempt status, they play an undeniable role in turning out voters through voter-registration drives.

The Rev. Bruce Wall, pastor of Global Ministries Christian Church in Dorchester, Mass., plans to hold a get-out-the-vote prayer rally in November.

"I won't be telling people who to vote for," Wall said, "but I can use the airwaves to motivate people to stand up and be counted."