127. Promoting social justice from the pulpit

About this episode

Reverend Derrick Holmes discusses the intersection of faith, justice, and civic responsibility in modern America, drawing parallels to the civil rights era and emphasizing the church's role in political accountability.

We’re joined by Reverend Derrick Holmes, pastor of the Union Grove Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, to explore the intersection of faith, justice and civic responsibility in one of the most divided moments in modern American life. Reverend Holmes compares today’s political and social climate with the civil rights era of the 1960s, arguing that the moral urgency of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s time is very much alive today. Drawing on the Black prophetic tradition, he challenges the idea that pastors should remain silent on political or civic issues, insisting that Christianity—when studied seriously—demands engaging with difficult subjects like oppression, equity and truth‑telling. Our conversation with Reverend Holmes dives into themes of Christian nationalism, the misuse of scripture for political power, and the difference between partisan politics and civic accountability. Reverend Holmes explains why he does not endorse candidates yet feels a deep obligation to hold leaders accountable through community forums, town halls and public dialogue. For him, the role of the church is not to chase popularity but to stand firmly on what is “right before God.” We also explore…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jack D’Aurora, John Gonzales

Guest: Reverend Derrick Holmes

Topics covered

• social justice
• faith
• civic responsibility
• Christian nationalism
• liberation theology
• political accountability

Keywords

• social justice
• Christianity
• politics
• equity
• oppression
• civic engagement
• liberation theology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Union Grove Baptist Church

Places: Columbus, Ohio, Harlem

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