Pastor Phillip Anthony Mitchell of the rapidly growing 2819 Church has ignited a firestorm with his recent sermon, where he urged Black parents to “stop blaming white cops for the killing of Black kids” and instead teach their children to be obedient to authority.
“Instead, teach your Black children to be obedient to authority,” Mitchell stated during his sermon. “I don’t care if most of you are Black. We need to teach our children to not fight against authority, not fight against cops.”
Mitchell recounted a personal experience from his youth in Queens, New York, where an Italian police officer held a gun to his head. He emphasized that his parents’ teachings on respecting authority influenced his decision to remain compliant during the encounter.
The pastor’s remarks have drawn significant criticism on social media. One commenter likened his stance to that of individuals who perpetuated slavery, while another questioned, “Ahmaud Arbery, what did he do wrong?” referencing the 2020 killing of a Black man in Georgia.
Some supporters defended Mitchell, suggesting that his message aligns with Biblical teachings on obedience and respect for authority. “He’s preaching about Christ and bringing souls to Christ,” one supporter noted.
Mitchell, known for his candidness and critiques of materialism in church leadership, has not publicly aligned himself with any political figures, despite some labeling him a “MAGA pastor.”
The sermon has sparked a broader conversation about the dynamics between Black communities and law enforcement, highlighting the complexities of addressing systemic issues while promoting personal responsibility.
