On Good Friday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams took part in a jailhouse baptism organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton. The event took place on the troubled Rikers Island jail complex, with Adams joining a group of detained men in the religious ceremony.
This baptism occurred during Adams’ visit to the prison complex, when he was supposed to speak with Christians on the Christian holiday. “Having been arrested and then elected mayor, I reminded these young men that where you are is not who you are,” Adams, a Democrat, said in a statement.
“For the first time in their lives, their mayor didn’t look down at them — I sat side by side with them to be cleansed and recommit ourselves to getting on the right path.”
Snapshots from the event, released by the mayor’s office, show Adams and Sharpton interlocking palms during a prayer. In addition, they show the clergyman washing Adams’ feet and Adams participating in the baptism.
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Adams and the civil rights leader have a close relationship that stems from their extensive involvement in New York politics. Adams frequently calls into Sharpton’s satellite radio show, and the two have frequently appeared together at city corridor events.
The city-run jail complex has been plagued by violence and neglect, sparking an ongoing court battle that could potentially result in a federal takeover of the facility.
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Earlier this week, the mayor went to Rikers to talk with detainees. In an interview with the New York City radio show “The Breakfast Membership,” Adams described the assembly as “a collection of 12 younger brothers who recommitted themselves to Christ.”
“I’ve been on Rikers Island more than any mayor in the history of the city talking with inmates and correctional officers to turn around what’s happening on Rikers Island,” Adams said in the heated radio interview, which aired Friday.
One user commented and said, “This is the lowest of the low! These despicable characters exploited one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar to promote their warped political agenda. They have disgracefully inserted politics into the crucifixion of Christ.
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Whether you embrace religion or not, it’s the height of blasphemy and disrespect to use the date for a cheap publicity stunt. The Reverend Al was the least respectable person there.”
Another added, “More pathetic, the mayor’s actions? As baptism is a sacred ceremony in so many religions, where are you surrounded by your newly chosen faith’s sponsors or leaders? Or just plain old anything Al Sharpton does being pathetic? So this isn’t over the top for him. Just par for his course.”
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