Controversial Sermon by NYC Candidate Zohran Mamdani
Over the weekend, Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for New York City mayor, spoke at a church led by Pastor Stephen A. Green, known for his contentious statements on race, anti-Israel sentiments, and reparations. Mamdani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the congregation in Jamaica.
His sermon, which spanned more than ten minutes, was heavily infused with political messages, linking his campaign goals to biblical teachings. Towards the conclusion, Mamdani warned of “dark moments” facing New York City and the nation, labeling the Trump administration as an “authoritarian government” and criticizing ICE for its treatment of immigrants. “It’s not justice; it’s cruel and criminal behavior. These individuals only aim to cultivate their lands,” he remarked.
Concerns from New York Lawmakers
Following Mamdani’s address, New York lawmakers expressed alarm over the potentially “devastating” implications of a Mamdani win, labeling it as “chaos.” His focus on affordable living in NYC resonated strongly with supporters, prompting him to question, “If New York City cannot afford to reside here, then what does it represent as the world’s largest city?”
Pastor Green endorsed Mamdani warmly, referring to him as “brother and friend,” and echoed his sentiments during the sermon with frequent “Amens.” Like Mamdani, Green is known for advocating progressive views, having previously called for a “new US Constitution” and reparations for slavery on social media.
In his activism, Green has openly criticized the police system in the U.S., describing it as anti-Black, and highlighted the need for urgent actions to safeguard voting rights. He has a history of participating in protests against systemic injustices, asserting the significance of addressing these societal issues through active engagement.
Moreover, after the October 7th Hamas attack, Green participated in a ceasefire rally and expressed concerns regarding the implications of occupation and genocide in Palestine. Amidst this backdrop, he reiterated his commitment to social justice, referencing the prophetic tradition of Black activism.
Recent Attacks on Mamdani Amidst Rising Tensions
As violence erupts in New York City, Mamdani has faced critical scrutiny due to his past social media posts from 2020 and 2021, which included remarks on refunding police funding. “We need a socialist city council to refund the police,” he tweeted in July 2020, and “Queer liberation means reimbursing the police,” he added later that year.
In light of a recent tragic shooting in Midtown, Mamdani attempted to clarify his earlier remarks, attributing them to the emotional distress following George Floyd’s death. His current statements seem to reflect an effort to distance himself from his previous rhetoric, amid a politically charged environment where public safety concerns are at the forefront.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the Mamdani campaign and Pastor Green for additional comments.
