Mayor Eric Adams sought prayers from the city’s faithful during two consecutive church visits on Sunday, firmly declaring that he has no intentions of resigning, stating instead “I’m going to reign.” This defiant statement came just two days after his arraignment on extensive federal corruption charges.
Adams, in a spirited address, passionately expressed his love for Jesus while speaking to the congregation at Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church in The Bronx for about 30 minutes, but ultimately he declined to answer questions from reporters afterward.
Throughout his administration Adams has played up his special place as God’s chosen. In May 2023 The New York Times wrote that Adams had started to frequently talk about “how God elevated him to lead New York City, how Mr. Adams implemented policy with a ‘godlike’ approach, how the separation of church and state was misguided.”
On Sunday he once more underscored this relationship with God when during his address to the congregation he interpreted God’s will, stating: “God placed me in this moment and placed in my heart to continue to move this city forward,” he said.
“And so you’ll hear the small number of loud people saying, ‘But he should step down.’ No, I’m going to step up. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m going to reign”.
After Friday’s arrest, Adams’ agenda included a prayer visit to a senior center, a stop at a Queens church where he praised “the power of prayer,” and attendance at a gospel concert in the Bronx. Nonetheless, some New Yorkers are unconvinced by the portrayal of Adams as a man of faith who will be vindicated, given the serious charges against him. In fact, he is accused of defrauding taxpayers of $10 million in campaign funds and accepting bribes from Turkish officials and citizens.
Adams’ approval rating plummeted to an all-time low for a New York City mayor months before the disclosure of his federal criminal charges. Yet he continues to receive the support of several influential religious and black leaders, who have publicly endorsed him both before and after the publication of the five counts. Reverend Al Sharpton, a close ally, addressed Governor Kathy Hochul during a National Action Network rally last Saturday, and urged her not to remove Adams from office despite the charges. Sharpton reminded the governor that Adams is owed due process.
Adams, who has often told of receiving a divine message nearly 30 years ago foreshadowing his election as mayor, seems more than willing to embrace the support of the faithful during this troubled time.
On Saturday, during his visit to a gospel concert in the Bronx, Adams urged the faithful to fight what he called “demonic energy” affecting the city and the world. He stressed his faith in divine leadership, affirming that, “There is a man of God as mayor of New York City this time, and there always will be”. He then appealed to the faithful to continue to pray for him and give him support and encouragement.
