DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — As voters head to the polls for municipal elections in North Carolina, members of St. Joseph AME Church in Durham are urging voters to stay engaged and hold their elected officials accountable.

The church revived its #SocialJusticeSunday event this week under the leadership of its new senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox. The event returned amid the ongoing federal government shutdown and recent redistricting maps passed by the Republican-led General Assembly.

“We’re in a day where our country is divided and polarized,” Dr. Knox told ABC11.

Knox said he wants to see the same level of energy during local elections that voters typically show during presidential ones.

“All politics are local,” he said. “The same energy that we have every four years with the presidential race, with the governor’s race, with Senate race, we must keep that same momentum and same energy in the local elections and the smaller ones.”

Rev. Dr. Hanna Broome, director of religious affairs at Repairers of the Breach and president of the North Carolina Council of Churches, served as the guest speaker on Sunday. She called on attendees to stay active beyond Election Day.

“Everybody can do something,” Broome said. “Everybody can call, write letters, petition and (go) to the General Assembly, especially with this redistricting of these maps, the silent voices — everybody can do something.”

Knox said he is committed to continuing the church’s tradition of social justice work.

“Historically, the Black Church in general-and the AME Church in particular-has stood at the forefront of social justice and social change,” he said in a statement. “The Church has long served as the moral compass of our communities. I am dedicated to leading that charge here in Durham.”

The North Carolina Black Alliance and other community organizations also took part in the service, emphasizing that civic engagement can help address everyday issues.

“That pothole that’s outside of your home is because of who is in those local offices,” said Cheryl Carter with the North Carolina Black Alliance. “So you really need to show up. Show up to these meetings, participate, have your voice heard.”

Candidates from Durham’s upcoming municipal elections were invited to meet with attendees following the service.

Knox said his message to the congregation was simple: “Number one, keep hope. But number two, keep our elected officials’ feet to the fire.”

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