In her early days as a senator, Kamala Harris often spoke of her deep faith in God. Now, as the first woman to serve as President-elect Joe Biden’s running mate, she has spoken publicly about how her religious upbringing has shaped her identity and informed her policy decisions.

Raised in a Hindu household by Indian immigrant parents, Harris attended a Methodist church with her family in Montreal, California. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an active member of the church and introduced Harris to Christian teachings at a young age. As she grew older, Harris began attending services at a local Black church in Oakland, California.

Harris’ connection to the Black church is deeply rooted in her identity as a woman of color. ‘As a young Indian-American woman growing up in the United States, I was shaped by my experiences in the Black church,’ she said during an interview with the Rev. Dr. Barber at the 2019 National Prayer Breakfast.

The Black church has long been a source of spiritual sustenance and community for African Americans. For Harris, it served as a space where she could connect with her own faith and identity, while also learning from the experiences of others.

‘I was shaped by my experiences in the Black church,’ Harris said. ‘The Black church is a place where you can find solace, comfort, and community. And for me, it’s been a place where I’ve learned to be proud of who I am.’

Harris’ faith has also influenced her policy decisions. During her time as attorney general of California, she pushed for greater accountability in the state’s criminal justice system.

Now, as a running mate, Harris is expected to bring that same faith-based approach to the White House. Her experience and connection to the Black church could provide a powerful example of how faith can shape policy decisions and inspire community action.

Harris’ journey from her childhood in Montreal to her current role in Washington D.C. has been shaped by her faith. As she prepares to take on new challenges as Vice President-elect, it’s clear that her connection to the Black church will continue to play a significant role in her life and work.