CHICAGO (AP) - Thousands gathered at Trinity United Church of Christ to thank the retired pastor who has become a key figure in the Democratic presidential race for his 30-year service to the congregation.
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. has been at the center of a media storm since snippets of past sermons that denounced America for allegedly racist and genocidal acts circulated on the Internet and on television.
In a speech two weeks ago, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, a member of Trinity, sharply condemned some of Wright's remarks. But he did not leave the church or repudiate the minister himself, who he said was like a family member.
Late Monday, Wayne Watson, chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago, called Wright one of his heroes.
"You have fought the fight. You are a man's man. You have maintained independence from corporate elite and from politicians," Watson said. "I guess what I'm saying is you are your own man. You are our man. You are God's man."
The Rev. Otis Moss III, the son of a former aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the new pastor of Trinity, said the congregation gathered "to show the Wright family is the right family."
"If the church is silent, the rocks will cry out. If the church is silent, democracy will not become a reality in America. If the church is silent, then the United States cannot be united," Moss said.
Wright, who officially retires May 31, did not speak during the two-hour service.
Wright has not spoken publicly since the controversy over his sermons began. He recently scrapped plans to receive an award in Texas, and to speak at churches in Houston and Tampa, Fla.
Wright retired last month but remains a senior pastor of the Chicago church.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments
The reason why America needs a new direction is not about the man Obama. This movement is larger than Obama himself. It is a known fact that America has lost moral leadership in the world and that must be restored. I must say that Rev. Wright and other extemists from the right and the left, (you all know who they are), have made it so critically important that we do something to stop this polarized bigotry. These poeple serve only their selfish ends. I feel sad for those who continue to listen to the hate mongers. This is definately not Christ-like. Only in America.
lipoftruth:
Do you know for a FACT that the church (Trinity UCC) does NOT support the sanctity of life and marriage?
Obama's record, yes, anyone can research and judge accordingly....BUT....
Do NOT make comments slamming an ENTIRE church unless you have the facts!!!!
" Watson said. "I guess what I'm saying is you are your own man. You are our man. You are God's man."
As men of God we are called out to yield our will for the will of God. We are called to be men not of ourselves but men of God. We must not serve two masters. If one takes the time even beyond the sound bites to study the teachings of this man (Wright) and Trinity UCC one will see flawed doctrine and a focus on man and justice by man rather than a reverence for and under God. God forms us and we are to conform to Him. Obama and his church mock the sovereignty of God, the sanctity of Life and the institution of Marriage established by our Lord.
It is sad so many are decieved. I pray for these people and our nation. God help us.
Followers of Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit say and pray “God Bless America.” However, the Holy Spirit of God would never inspire a true Christian to say or pray “God Damn American” in any context, much less as part of a taped public sermon with children involved.
Holy Scriptures say to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Reverend Wright obviously has a fiery spirit that is condemning at times, particuarly when he curses our nation on stage. It's certaintly not Christ-like or characteristic of the Holy Spirit. Nonetheless, most of his life Senator Obama has trusted and tollerated this particular pastor. Although Reverend Wright is retiring, he will remain as Senior Pastor, and his replacement essentially agrees with him in spirit and truth. Senator Obama must agree with them in spirit, if not in truth.
There is reason to not trust the spirit in which Reverend Wright made such remarks, and so there is reason as well to question the spirit that has been and will be leading the youthfull Obama Hussein Barack as a professed Christian and prospective president of our nation. May God’s Holy Spirit be our guide.
Hope Page: http://itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com
Rather than continuing to defend himself, Pastor Wright needs to start seeking unity.
Pastor Wright is not the leader of a group of Black Christians separated out from the rest of the Body of Christ.
It does not work that way. God's Kingdom is One Body.