Reverend: Don't Pimp My Church
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Copyright 2003 FOX News Network,
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — <font size=4>Frustrated with Democratic presidential candidates who "pimp the church," the pastor of a black church in Portsmouth, N.H., has criticized those who would use his congregation as a backdrop for campaign photos rather than a serious discussion of issues.
"Come because you want to be here," the Rev. Arthur Hilson of New Hope Baptist Church (search) said from the pulpit Sunday in an appeal to the candidates. "Don't come here because you want to use me or our people."
Hilson said Monday his criticism was aimed at presidential candidates whom he feels have visited the church but not truly listened to the concerns of the congregation. Photos taken during those visits can make it appear that he and his wife, Lady Hilson, endorsed the candidates, he said.
Hilson noted that a photo taken during a visit by front-runner Howard Dean (search) appeared in an issue of Newsweek. The photo showed Dean standing beside Ms. Hilson, but the caption did not indicate the picture was taken in New Hampshire, and it was used in a story about Dean seeking the Southern African-American vote.
"When the Dean people came they said, 'Can you be at the door and have your wife with you?'" Hilson said.
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A Dean campaign spokesman said he was disappointed Hilson took the occasion of Dean's visit in a way that had not been intended.
"It's very unfortunate that Reverend Hilson feels this way," said Matthew Gardner, Dean's New Hampshire press secretary. "Governor Dean very much enjoys meeting with people throughout New Hampshire, and we felt warmly received by the reverend and other members of the congregation."
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Hilson said a visit by Carol Moseley Braun (search), in contrast, was not preceded by a request to have certain people on hand. "They simply came into the church and took seats," he said.
Hilson's church also has been visited by Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rep. Dick Gephardt.
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