Pastor and gospel singer Marvin Winans is setting the record straight after his church found itself at the center of a political firestorm involving Haley Stevens, Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers just days before the midterm elections. As criticism and speculation continue, the longtime Detroit pastor is pushing back against suggestions that his church played favorites in the political drama. But now, the controversy is putting a spotlight on the complicated relationship between Black churches and politics, particularly when influential faith leaders find themselves caught in the middle of American politics.
In an interview with ABC News, Winans clarified what happened at the service, insisting that Perfecting Church had no intention of endorsing any candidate.
“During this season, the candidates visit church. And we don’t endorse, but we had spoken with Mike Rogers, and he had said that he would come by the service,” Winans said. “I didn’t know what day, but Abdul El Sayed was invited also.”
The situation escalated after Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary, was initially expected to attend a Detroit church appearance alongside El-Sayed and other prominent Democrats as part of a show of party unity. But those plans fell apart, and Stevens instead showed up at Perfecting Church alongside Rogers, a MAGA Republican, on Sunday (Nov. 1). She even endorsed the Republican candidate, which stunned Democrats, especially after she pledged support for El-Sayed.
RELATED: Bishop Marvin Winans Breaks Silence on Viral Video of Him Demanding More Money For the Building Fund
We previously told you that the drama quickly turned into a national debate over Democratic ranks and party loyalty. For Winans and Perfecting Church, the fallout also had repercussions. Winans told ABC he learned about the political press conference outside the church only after the service was finished. He rejected suggestions that he was involved or knew about the political optics beforehand.
“I had no idea that Haley Stevens was coming, and when she sat next to Mike Rogers, I thought she was on the wrong side, ’cause I was looking for Abdul to come,” he recalled.
Stevens defended her move, saying it was her choice and that she was not turning her back on Democrats. The endorsement drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. El-Sayed dismissed Stevens’ dissent, saying his focus remained on voters.
Many folks took the political drama as part of the church’s endorsement of either political candidate. To that, Winans also rebutted.
“Our church is open to everyone, and we are not endorsing candidates,” he confirmed. The candidates and political figures were acknowledged during the service. Winans maintained that nobody else was given a microphone or an opportunity to address the congregation.
Addressing the criticism directed at Stevens over her political decision, Winans defended her right to vote according to her conscience.
“It doesn’t bother me because this is America, and we have the right to vote for who we want to vote for,” he added. The pastor also criticized the public backlash, arguing that political disagreements should not become personal attacks.
“It’s her choice, and it’s just one vote,” Winans stated, adding that voters should not “vilify and make other people that have a different opinion wrong.”
His remarks underscore the delicate position Black church leaders occupy when politics enters sacred spaces, where community influence, religious independence and personal voting rights can collide. But for Winans, the controversy does not change his responsibility as a spiritual leader.
“No matter who wins, we’re going to have to end up praying for them,” he said. “So I have my assignment, and my job is to pray for those that are in authority.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
