Mike Bloomberg Texas’ LGBT Director Mike Webb, left, and supporters and those thinking of supporting Bloomberg in the Texas primary at Cathedral of Hope on Feb. 19. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)

Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg’s campaign held an event at Cathedral of Hope this morning, Wednesday, Feb. 19. The rally was organized by Adam Phillips, Bloomberg’s national faith advisor, and Mike Webb, Bloomberg’s Texas LGBT director.

Although Phillips is straight, he said he was kicked out of his denomination over his support of LGBT issues. Phillips said Bloomberg has a pluralistic vision for America and that Trump “is run roughshod over our neighborhoods.” He attacked the president’s policies on climate change, border control and gun violence issues. While acknowledging Bloomberg’s stop and frisk policy that was declared unconstitutional, he said the former mayor, who took office just months after Sept. 11, defended the 9-11 mosque that opened blocks from the World Trade Center attack.

Webb said Bloomberg’s policies and proposals include ways to curb violence against the trans community. He said as president, Bloomberg would encourage education on trans issues and have police learn to protect the trans community. His positions also include education to prevent bullying in schools.

“So many campaigns overlook Texas,” Webb said, but Bloomberg has opened 19 centers across the said.

Among the questions was concern that someone could come in and buy the seat. Addressing money, another responded, “Do you want 10 people to put their money together or do one to spend his own?”

One woman, who identified herself as a black Pentecostal, said that while members of her denomination overwhelmingly vote Democratic, they’re overlooked by the party.

One woman who immigrated from Cameroon said she thought Bloomberg would be the best candidate for Africa and Africans. Bloomberg’s philanthropic work in Africa has included economic development and AIDS care.

Another woman said she saw “grit in his fight.” She said Trump and Bloomberg are from the same town, know the same people and have the same wealth. “Let them fight it out.”

— David Taffet

The following message from Rev. Neil Thomas of Cathedral of Hope was sent to his congregation in response to the church offering space for the Bloomberg campaign to hold a public forum:

A statement regarding Presidential Candidate Michael Bloomberg’s Dallas Faith Roundtable & Listening Session held at Cathedral of Hope.

As a person of faith, a pastor, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I absolutely do not agree with Mr. Bloomberg’s comments regarding our transgender community. During today’s roundtable discussion with members of campaign, including Reverend Andy Phillips I was able to challenge and confront them. Unfortunately, Mr. Bloomberg was not personally present for this discussion, and I support, wholeheartedly, the calls out for him to personally apologize for his harmful comments.

Our transgender siblings are a vital part of our church, Cathedral of Hope, and our community and are in no way “negotiable”. I absolutely REBUKE these vile comments about my transgender community and will fight for the LGBTQ (specifying the T) community with every breath in my body.

The conversation today was with faith members across the city. Cathedral of Hope was asked to host this discussion in our Interfaith Peace Chapel because this space is accessible. We recognize that there is hard work to be done in the pursuit of justice for our community. We also recognize that we have to be in the same room sometimes, even with those whom we disagree with in order to do this hard work. Jesus teaches us that the best way to educate and change people is to be relationship and dialogue with them.

As this political season continues, we will continue to use our place in the community to be an advocate for all those who are often left out and left behind.

Rev Dr. Neil G Thomas

The Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas
Senior Pastor
Pronouns: he/his/him
Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ