There is no doubt that the media has gone too far in trying to get a story. But I have to say Moss claims the church is some sort of victim. What the nation heard was NOT their worship of God. Had the sermon been nothing but praise for God, I doubt they would have found themselves in this mess. I also don't believe this type of sermon would have been one that King would have approved of.

It's not Obama's Church, it's God's Church and furthermore God speaks through Rev. Wright so if you have a problem with what Rev. Wright is moved to say, you have a problem with God.

This story was an attempt on the part of the media, to "swift boat" a candidate, pure and simple. To single out a pastor, who has preached in the style, not familiar to many non-African-American church goers and to try to make him out to be an anti-American, is not to be telling the whole story! To compound the problem, to put it nicely, there was very bad reporting of this story. It made the congregation to look like a haven for seditious activities!! For what purposes, to smear Senator Obama and the African-American congregation, to name just two targets! My only wish is that there were preachers that had the temerity to preach contrary to state doctrine during the Viet Nam war, the Granada war and the two Iraqi wars. It is so easy for some of the leadership to search out and to start wars, their children will not be put in harm's way. Unfortunately, our economic situation is so bad in this country's present state of affairs, some of us, citizens, see joining the National Guard and ROTCs, to make ends meet, or some other reason. Just ask the present occupier of our White House!!!
Come on, America, can't you see a " swift-boating" job in this Reverend Wright story. It was a hatchet job, of the worst kind! Come on, voters, think with your minds and not with your hearts. America needs a thinking electorate, if we are to get out of this quagmire, in which the present administration has left America!!! Vote Democrat and America gets even stronger and more united!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

"It's understandable that Trinity's members would be upset at being approached by reporters during church services if that indeed has happened."

It would be understandable.....but is it true or just a way to try and silence the controversy?.

Well put Bill. It is always important not to cast guilt-by-association though too. Yes, the church is a little too aggresive when preaching from the pulpit, but only Obama knows what Obama believes in and any speculation is just mud throwing.

How many conversations about race do we have to have?! Good grief! MLK's conversation was plenty for me. Didn't it really get to the point?

These conversations Moss and TUCC are proposing will no doubt be one-sided. And with the kind of garbage coming out of there that we've heard so far, I wouldn't care to have any conversation with them. Be an American, love thy neighbor (they should know where that comes from), and enjoy liberty for crying out loud.

I would be willing to bet there was much "worship of God" in the the tradition of Dr. King in the rest of the sermon. The aural paparazzi in the media have only played three words of it. Let's review and comment on the balance, and more importantly, on the man's whole ministry.

The impact of Jesus has lasted over two thousand years! However the teachings of Rev. Jeremiah Wright may last as long. Everyone in that church, including Obama, have been tainted by hate. I was bought up being taught that all persons were created equal and the "honorable" Wright has dispelled that notion.

I think the author of this post gives too much credit to the media. He seems plainly biased.

In my experience, a member of the media might seek out the family of some deceased soul, but only to gain a by-line. If the author has been thanked by the relative of someone who has died, that seems ironic. The anecdote seems quite insincere. Who gets thanked for advancing their own career?

To John, who said: "...and furthermore God speaks through Rev. Wright so if you have a problem with what Rev. Wright is moved to say, you have a problem with God."

OK, John, so the Reverend Duke, who is a White Supremacist, if we have a problem with what he's being moved to say, we should take that up with God as well?

Get over it. A black man got busted spouting hate speech. Get over it. We bust whitey all the time....why not the black ones as well? They too good for that?

Wright may not have had the eloquence of oratory that MLK had, but he DID speak out against America in much the same way. Look into MLK's other speeches and sermons (not just the I Dreamed A Dream speech). He condemned America and the white powerful bureaucrats in Washington that continued to oppress half of it's citizens or kill its soldiers in an unlawful war in Vietnam. Wright gave the same message, just in a different era and style. Ask those who personally knew MLK, they will tell you the same. And Trinity Church is protected under the same laws as Catholics, Jewish, Muslim, Baptists, etc. They have freedom of religion and we should not judge them, condemn them, or strip them of their rights simply because we disagree with their religious message or the manner in which they choose to worship God.

From UCCTRUTHS.com:

Thomas plays race card to dodge Wright criticism
Thursday, April 03, 2008

The effort to have a national conversation on race would be admirable had it not been hastily called for in response to the criticism that Thomas and the UCC has been facing in defense of comments in sermons and in publications by Trinity's former minister, Jeremiah Wright, Jr. who did not even attend the press conference. As disgusting and vulgar as it sounds, Thomas appears to be playing the race card to dodge the criticism which ultimately undermines the very conversation on race that he and others are seeking.

The consequences of this will be damaging on a number of levels. First, Thomas has made it pretty clear that he's not going to actually respond to the concerns raised within and outside of the denomination on Wright. Like so many other actions he and the national office have taken, it will be local pastors left to react and they really aren't being given much to work with here.

Second, members of the UCC are pretty wise to what is going on here. The problem isn't race, it's about Wright's comments and Thomas' reaction to them.

Finally, all this has really done is guarantee that this issue won't die down anytime soon.

Good morning John,
No, ...what the so-called "reverend"
Wright is moved to say, is not from God - as God does not cause chaos and is not completely biased against all white men that ever have or will live. What he freely chooses to say, Wright chooses to say of his own accord. Don't ever cross the two, just because you like something your reverend said.

The media "does this" because they're a bunch of jackals that will do anything to get a news story, and don't care who they humiliate in the process of getting that story. It is time to put the domain of hack tabloid journalism behind us and embrace proper journalism that emphasizes research methods over harassment and humanity over a "story at any cost" mentality.

Instead of Rev. Wright being angry at America for allowing racism to exist in it's many ugly forms, he should've been praising America and been issuing a sermon of satisfaction and happiness.

God speaks through "Rev." Wright? Not a chance! Is God a racist like "Rev." Wright? Liberation Theology is code for "blame someone else for my being lazy and dumb." Stop blaming everyone else for your short comings. And stop projecting your racism and "Rev." Wright's racism onto God.

I think it's ridiculous that the media is asking for interviews while church is going on. Calling the sick and shut in list? That's beyond the pale. How dare anyone question any church and invade their privacy? Believe me, if you want to take on the religious community. I would implore you to stop where you are. It's none of anyone's business how someone worships. Jeremiah Wright said some crazy things, but there is just no reason for this kind of thing to go on. If you don't like how some black churches worship mind your own business then.

Again, have those of you that oppose Rev. Wright heard his entire sermon(s)? If you haven't, you should do so, otherwise, don't base your comments on what you've heard in the media. If you really want to be informed, purchase the entire sermons and I guarantee, you won't feel the same. You might even feel condemned. If you continue to make uninformed comments then you are just as guilty as the people that Rev. Wright is commenting on. By the way, the statements that you heard on the 9-11 sermon were not Rev. Wright's words, but were "quotes" from an ambassador that he heard on Fox News. That is why you should hear it for yourself.

How nice that the church's new lead pastor, Otis Moss III has called for a national conversation about race. Yes let's have a conversation, let's ask how a Christian church can promote hate for America, foster racial division, and tell it's congregation that America is to blame for 9/11. There is no room in this society for such hate and derision, Jesus teaches Love, Tolerance and Hope. The reverend Jeremiah Wright has brought shame and disgrace not only on his church, but also on Christianity. His words, "It not God Bless the USA, it's God dam the USA" ring loud and clear on where he stands, and where the Trinity United Church of Christ stands. Instead of calling for a conversation about race, he should call for a conversation about this churches HATE for America. I guess that the rev. Jeremiah Wright and Trinity United Church of Christ would prefer the "Darkness" rather then the "Light of the Media" shining on it showing what this church truly stands for and preaches.

The evil one is present in all of our actions, all spiritual leaders do not always speak from God, the devil has power to devide us all and he is a master of his domain. Each person must be able to forgive and Jesus will judge, the Reverend has a great deal of anger and rightfuly so in many cases but there are many whites who came up poor and suffer the same way. Poor is Poor and we have all been looked down upon.

What Wright preaches as "in the scriptures" is simply a smokescreen for hate. Anyplace that foments such hatred is no church at all.

"blame someone else for my being lazy and dumb."
Posted by: Ed | April 4, 2008 10:51 AM

well Ed..you seem to have a little racisim left in you also. The black mans plight is due to his being lazy and dumb huh? Is that how you see it from your lily white neighborhood?

To those who say that God is speaking through Wright - they are mistaken. Hate is not part of the Bible and the last place it belongs is in a church.

Also, church is not the place for racial posturing. After all, aren't we all God's people...regardless of race?

Enough is never enough. The congregation and church elders are also to blame for not putting a stop to Wright's comments after the first sermon that ventured into controversial text, along with those that ordained him. His comments were not spur of the moment thoughts. They were well thought out, directed and socialized opinions. He most likely displayed or voiced these thoughts throughout most of his life. It is very obvious that the "Revs" opinions are also those of his congregation and church. If a white, Baptist Minister had said in a sermon that "The red tape that the White man has put into place for the protection of Blacks in America since the 1960's is now backfiring in his face, and the corruptions that these new protections have afforded the Black community are now coming back to roost," he would be stripped of his church. Labeled a racist, and run out of town. I think charges of subversive acts against the people of the US should be considered for him and his congregation

Ed, Dee or Mark,
Does God speak thru "Rev" Ted Haggart, many believed so. Does God speak thru "Rev." Jerry Falwell, many believed so. Does God speak thru "Rev" Pat Robertson, many believe so. Does God speak thru "Pastor" John Hagee, many believe so. All of these men say hateful, bigoted things but there is no major controversy until a black man says something you don't agree with. Interesting. Do any of these men or does the leader of your church truly deserve a special title if they are simply speaking their mind and not delivering God's message as they hear it?

Pastor Moss is very articulate and makes some very valid points BUT he forgets that Pastor WrightI(the predecessor he is STUCK with) put the church in "media harm's way" when he used his pulpit(not once but 100s of times over that last many years and without objection from Barack Obama). I only hope that the IRS investigate the church and find out if the "rantings" of Pastor Moss's predecessor and close religious advisor of Barack Obama for the last 20 years said and or did things that should be cause for denying exemption from Fed. Tax obligations. Pastor Wright's unchallenged(by the "flock") were nothing more than racist, political rantings and SOMEBODY (the Church?) should pay the price for the stupidity of the church body for allowing Wright to go unchalenged. If such racist statments had been made in my presence or I became aware of the veracity of those types of statements being made in my church, I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN UP AND WALKED OUT! and severed my relationship from such a statement. Let's get real here Pastor Moss! You and your church brought the media down on your heads--you are right to complain but "me thinks you protestth too much"

I find it more than amusing that so many here on either side of the issue claim to know God's will or believe that a few sound bites are enough to judge the life of a man.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment that you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." - Matthew 7.1-5

i find this very hard for which to understand, and that just because the rev. wright is gone the people for which he spoke hate words to are still members of this church? hate" to what" christians? he calls the trinity's church christians of peace faith values? 20 years of hate preached to the members of obama's church and obama? my my how aclu southern poverty law naacp would attack attack a white church if they preach hate against blacks or anyone!!! being white and wanting fair play when it comes to hate talk is the issue here about this trinity church period. hate like i see on newnation.org hate from a race of people that graduate only 50% of black students across the united states.hate law crimes that only seem to work against whites? added civil rights laws to advance blacks" for which they also discriminate against whites? racial profling? affrimative action which discriminate against whites? minority hiring which discriminates against whites? minority quota's discriminate against whites? aclu civil rights for people of color ONLY? illegal aliens, which have no rights at all" (illegal) homosexuals civil rights yet everything for which homosexual stands for is wrong for society, because of unstable beings of mind and character, meaning differing from the usual or normal. trininty church hate civil rights and obama's gay prayer? obama hillary required 2nd grade reading of gay teachings to white children? obama's his church his gay prayer all come togeather right here in this trininty church. this person is running for president of united states thank you!!! "questions" of character? hell whats different about hillary" white women only? both serve on senate health education labor committee? yeah labor? education now? walmart health clinics? change? racist church and look at all the supporters of obama? (MONEY) 20 years this obama got spiritual guidance from rev. wright? endorsements hollywood? oprah? millions of viewers? whites would be chumps not to question or wonder whats up with this bunch of supporters? specially since we whites are on the short end of this civil rights law? meaning we have none for which to protect our seniors? handicap? mentally ill? oh yeah alot of question thats for sure? questions newnation.org!! victims speak!!! ia'm one of them too!!! i'll speak for the victims" because i feel their family's pain big time. trininty trash talk hate speeches are wrong and create hate not peace!!! minister thats not christian talk thats trash hate talk!!! independent. truth is on our side. michigan little big horn AMEN.

I COMPLETELY agree with Trinity United Church of Christ on this one.

How long did the media hound Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell after they said God was punishing (which sounds a lot like "damning") America for gays, abortion rights, etc. Maybe two days.

But when Rev. Wright says that God damns America for slavery and Jim Crow and discrimination, all of the white folks get up in arms and the media (trying to serve its paying public) locks its proverbial jaws onto the church until someone says "sorry."

Yet, the U.S. still hasn't apologized for slavery.

To quote Bill Clinton, "Give me a break."

Ya'll are ridiculous.

Hate is not part of the Bible and the last place it belongs is in a church.

Posted by: Jen | April 4, 2008 11:26 AM

Have you read Luke14:25-35?

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple

Have any of you listened to the entire taped sermons? If you haven't, then you are biased and ignorant to the facts. So, I won't continue to waste my time blogging with ignorance! God bless you all.

Leon,
Well good for you!! Let's hope your not a Catholic though. The Catholic Church allowed and still allows Priests to rape little boys and without punishment from the law. Instead they relocate them to other Parishes. Not too many white folks are up in arms about a church that allows that to happen, but a Rev. who is angry that racism was allowed to exists in America, that elicits more vocal responses? Odd.

Hate speech is hate speech. Hate speech has led to many terrorist attacks. It is the bain of our civilization, whether it comes from muslims, whites, blacks, or anywhere. Context, right? Hate speech no more!!

Any for youz talking about white pastors - if another presidential candidate sat in their congregation for 20 years let's defnitely bring it up. Otherwise, stop deflecting and address the hate speech at hand.

Isn't it about time that we stop allowing the government and the media to divide us up into groups by our race's and religion's???

I wish the American people would start to realize that we are all AMERICANS and that if we stop focusing on our differences and start embracing our similarities we might actual be able to make a change for the good in this country.

I find the comments I've heard this pastor make only inflate the lines that divide us. But there are people on every side of this that make such comments. It's time that we as individuals start making a change and I guarantee you those in power will eventually have to adapt to what we the people want.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's I Have a Dream Speech rings in my ears as I read this article. Especially the line that reads...."I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."

It's about time that we stop hating and start loving. It's about time that we stop waging war and work for peace. It's about time that we stop dividing each other on racial and religious lines and start learning from each other because we all bring something different to the table.

How many have the race whores buried for a word they found unacceptable? Now they ask that we consider all of Wright's rants before condeming. What part of GD America didn't you understand? How about the jewish and Italian diatribes? He's an anti-American, hate filled racist and I question the patriotism and godliness of anyone who supports and defends him.

Get over yourself. Racism works both ways and the issue is about race and gender bias. The media has vilifies Hillary and no one protests. When ever Barak gets challenged it is racism.

Nice if both could be stopped, but at least lets tell the whole story here.

This is an email message set to all member of the First Congregational Church in Long Beach, CA -- a church that does nothing if not preach acceptance of and respect for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, etc.

The email is from Jane Fisler Hoffman, an Interim UCC Conference Minister about her own experiences at Trinity UCC in Chicago.

Hello, dear Southern California Nevada Colleagues,

As you know, much is being said around the country about one of our United Church of Christ congregations and one of our pastors, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. I have been hearing from some of our church folk who only know what they are hearing in the news and are concerned about our UCC faith family and who want to understand more fully. All of this is happening in the context of the national political arena and, in my view, our church and pastor are being used by the media and political forces. I don't intend to comment on that aspect. But I can speak personally about the church and the pastor. Some of you know that my husband and I are still members of Trinity UCC and Dr. Wright was our pastor. We hold him in high regard and are stunned by the way his long, respected and honorable ministry is being assaulted by selecting a handful of 'sound bites' from thousands of sermons made over 40 years of ministry. These out of context moments do not begin to express the biblical prophetic foundations and African American experience from which Rev. Wright speaks. I know that some of you have gone to the Trinity UCC website to seek the complete sermons and were not able to access them but I am told that soon 50 of Rev. Wright's sermons will be accessible there.

Finally I just want briefly to voice my own experience as a member of Trinity United Church of Christ. (By the way, I have spoken with several reporters about our experience at Trinity but am never referred to in print, I presume because my experience is POSITIVE!) Milt and I are members there very intentionally because it is a Christ centered, Spirit filled congregation where the worship is powerful; the preaching is spiritually insightful and prophetic; the welcome to all is warm and embracing; mission is both local and global ; tithing is encouraged and expected; members bring and read their Bibles; and disciples are nurtured in the faith. Yes, we are among just a few 'white' members. And yes, sometimes in worship I hear a painful biblical challenge to the white privilege that has been part of my own life and to the racism that is so destructive in our culture. That challenge has helped to shape my own journey in following Jesus as I try to live and minister in ways that contribute to a more loving and just world. But never---NEVER-have Milt or I felt unwelcome or unloved at Trinity because of the color of our skin. To the contrary, we consistently have felt loved and embraced because of our oneness with our sisters and brothers through Jesus Christ. Our church family has prayed for us when our granddaughter was ill and Rev Wright has pastored me through some personally challenging times. Milt and I have visited a village in Ghana West Africa where Trinity UCC has helped to build a community center with a library, provided computers for a classroom and a generator for the small hospital and they have strongly supported our UCC related Inanda School, for girls, in South Africa, in addition to significant support of Our Church's Wider Mission.

Let me close by telling you one story from our experiences at Trinity that demonstrates the kind of radical hospitality the Spirit offers through the congregation. On one Sunday we went to worship with a group of young Germans, about ten people who had come to Chicago as 'emerging leaders in Germany'. A friend of mine was hosting them and wanted to give them an experience visiting an African American church. We were able to arrange for Pastor Wright to meet with them before worship and after he came into the room he greeted them in German and prayed with us, in German. After sharing some background of the church, the UCC and the African American church tradition, we all went to worship. The service was, as always, uplifting---lively gospel singing by the 300 voice choir, a moving infant dedication service, etc. Then, part way through the service, we noticed that Rev. Wright was again speaking in German, welcoming the German guests (in addition to the usual warm welcoming of all guests). The next thing we knew, the choir was singing God's praise in an anthem in German! (Wunderbar, Sie Nommen Wunderbar!). Tears came to some of the guests' eyes and to mine. Radical hospitality. A reality quite different from the cruel characterization of the church as hateful or separatist.

Do I agree with every word from Rev. Wright's mouth? No. (No more than I agree with every word my husband says! ) But I have seen and experienced the dominant direction of his whole ministry which is toward love and justice and peace for all people in the name of Jesus Christ. That is what I respect.

Holy Week Blessings,
Jane Fisler Hoffman
Interim Conference Minister

"blame someone else for my being lazy and dumb."
Posted by: Ed | April 4, 2008 10:51 AM

OK Ed, lets use your logic. Blacks get what's coming to them because they are lazy and dumb.

Hmmmmm. That sounds like what Rev Wright said. The U.S. is too dumb to understand that you can't keep killing others and not get killed yourself. Chickens coming home to roost.

Ah, but a smart white man such as yourself should already know that. Peace out, idiot.

I'm a member of Trinity. I find the postings (on this site and others) referring to Rev. Wright's "hate speech" comical. He is not racist nor have his remarks been taken in the proper context. And though I didn't expect many Americans to understand this, I'm pleasantly surprised at how much support he and our members have received across racial and religious lines. Wright and Moss preach and exemplify Christianity. They encourage education, self-love, respect of community, and pride among a congregation that is regularly misunderstood and discriminated against (just read some of these ignorant postings on here).

Funny, I grew up Catholic and left that religion because of the exclusionary practices and beliefs, underhanded politics, and irresponsible leadership...from the pope to church pastors. Almost none of you have been to Trinity or know any members, beyond Obama. And yet, you stand in judgement. Its sad, but it also speaks volumes as to who you really are, despite your own hateful and uninformed comments.

I am my own person. Revs. Wright nor Moss cannot and do not speak for me just as they do not speak or represent Obama. I do, however, agree with them on many issues and am proud of Trinity's open and informed community of faith. Unfortunately, as demonstrated on this blog, one's ability to quote scripture, closed-mindedness to what Trinity really represents, and "spinning" sound bytes as racist and hateful is really not very Christian or American. I'm glad that Obama shares with us a higher calling and purpose. I'm proud that he is rising above the hateful attacks and narrow-mindedness of a small group of people.
Go Obama!

I get a kick out of all these self- righteous critics, who have not set foot in Reverend Wright's Church, nor have even listened to one complete sermon of the Reverend's. Yet, they can call the congregation or the Reverend any name they care to, without consequence! That is about as unAmerican as you can get! You sure are some stand-up men and women, hiding behind blogs and disrespecting your fellow Americans. I am sure our Founding Fathers are proud of you, after all, weren't most of them slaveholders!!!?
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.

Until that church rids itself of the b lack value system with it emphasizing "black only" whether b usiness,institution, or politician they are going to instill a hatred in the Y.P. and children that will bring race wars that we haven't seen since the 60's.
Church is not the place for politics. The apostle Paul wrote many letters(inspired of God)during the time of great persecution by Rome and the Christ hating Jews but never made one complaint against them. To the contrary he saidto one and all "be ye reconciled to God" II Cor.5.

The free press is our last defense against tyranny so please stop blaming the free press for American issues. It’s a transparent attempt of diversion, very shallow, very transparent

You cannot force someone to love you
It would be impossible to do that.
You cannot govern human nature with laws.
It would be impossible to do that too.
Yet men and women talk as if they can.

There is a method for loving your neighbor and understanding that all men are created equal.
It comes from what your parents do.

Your parents may have fostered this understanding and regardless of your race, you as a human being comprehend and comply, because you want to, not because a politician or a reverend tells you too.

You may have had parents who inadvertently taught you how to dislike a certain race.
The show is pretty much over for you. Even though one matures, it is still engrained in you. Deep down you know how mom and dad felt. You tell everyone I don’t want to be like my dad was, but that really takes a concerted effort to do, obviously, with the topic at hand, many cannot

Obama MLK or this controversial reverend can all talk until they are blue in the face (and they usually do), but it will not effect your mindset. Only your upbringing does that.

If you have children you may notice that they do what you do, but they will not always do what you want them to do.

Obviously the parents of all races are not setting a very good example.
This is the root cause of many American issues.

You can’t talk about it.
You can’t march or protest about it.
You can’t govern your way out of it

Look in the mirror and you will see the solution.
That goes for all of humanity, not just those that have the power to have God speak through them.

Religion and Politics are separate the last time I checked the constitution. The media has gone to far. Further, they need to refer to their church leaders to brush up on their knowledge of the bible. Wright's remark, "God Damm America" is a central core of the bible. If American claims to be one nation under God while it's leaders inject social injustice on it's own citizens and others around the world, God will take his favor and protection causing that nation to become "the tail instead of the head." In other words, God will raise up enemies, cause economic loss and influenence in the world. All preacher know this. So shut up already. Keep politics and religion separate. I didn't seem the media go rabid over Mit Romney's church, or the religious leaders that backed Bush who said Katrina happened because of a gay parade (which is a bigotted remark and has nothing to do with the bible) get that much air play. Back off. The media is way out of line on this one.

It's simple people. Listen to the sermons, not the sound bites. Sound bites taken out of context can say anything. If I were to write right now, "I hate America!" and you only print the the part of this that is between the quotes what would your impression of me be? You don't know me. You don't know Rev Wright. Don't judge me by what you see above in those quotes because there's more to me than that and more to you also.

I find it hard to believe that intelligent Americans are trying to strip Rev. Wright's authority away because they disagree with his statements. God has chosen to speak his word to many an individual who is fallible and therefore makes mistakes. The Apostle Peter wanted to keep the Gospel message only for the Jews. It was Paul who wanted to spread the word to the world. David had the husband of the woman he lusted after sent to the front lines and killed in battle. Despite the failings of these men they were instruments of God and built his church.

Pastors make mistakes. Pastors can also be misunderstood. People have been too quick to vilify Trinity. Many a pastor has spoken out strongly against US policy. You all choose to blow this instance out of proportion. I'm afraid many of you don't go to church and don't know what gets said from the pulpit. Or perhaps your church is just fine with the status quo.

Obama’s Bible Study Class

James Meeks – an Illinois state senator, pastor of one of the largest churches in the state and a declared Spiritual Adviser for Obama – came under fire for comments rebroadcast last week calling white American mayors "slave masters" and referring to black preachers and politicians who "protect" the "white man" as "house n-ggers."

"We don't have slave masters, we got mayors," Meeks said in an August 2006 sermon broadcast on a Chicago community television channel.
Aside from his senatorial duties, Meeks is an Illinois Superdelegate pledged to Obama and also presides over Salem Baptist Church, described as the largest church in Illinois.

In 2006, Meeks informed his church during a sermon he may run for Illinois governor. He was recorded telling the mostly black congregation any "white Christian" who doesn't vote for him is a "racist." Speaking from his pulpit Meeks said, “if I don't have every white Christian vote in the state of Illinois, I will stand on top of the Sears Tower and call every one of y'all racist."

Meeks is also notorious for his strong anti-homosexual platform, although Obama is campaigning for the "gay" vote. Meeks has routinely voted against pro-homosexual legislation and has been quoted during sermons referring to same-sex attraction "an evil sickness."

Obama told the Sun-Times that he is an attendee of Meeks' Salem Baptist Church for Wednesday night Bible Study.

According to Illinois State Board of Elections records, Rezko's businesses, Rezmar Corp. and Rezko Concession, contributed to Meeks' campaign funds.

A recent Meeks endorsement is touted on Obama’s campaign website and is listed as an influential black supporter.

James Meeks and his relationship with Obama was described in a 2004 Men's News Daily report during Obama's 2004 US Senate campaign:
Obama’s closest religious advisers -- Fr. (Michael) Pfleger, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ, and Illinois State Sen. James Meeks, who moonlights as the pastor of Chicago's Salem Baptist Church – may have quotes from Scripture always handy, but are theologically closer to Karl Marx and black nationalism, than to Christianity.

To ALL those who oppose, reverend Wright's view's, please go on Roland Martin's Web Site (he's an CNN correspondent). should you do that it would spread light (to those that can or will see) on the situation. I personally agree with most of what the Reverend said, however, It didn't originally come from him. It was a white man who said most of that. However the sound bites that were played would not convey that. Also in his blod section, check out a letter from Tim Wise (white guy) very enlightning.

I'm not surprised the church is receiving threats. Didn't the church threaten America when Rev. Wright said "Black men turning on black men – that is fighting the wrong enemy. . ." ?

Toni, where, exactly, in the bible does it say that "God Damm America" is a "central core?" Sorry, there's no context in church or otherwise that'd make that acceptable to me.

And if you didn't think the media went rabid over Mitt Romney's church then you clearly haven't been paying attention.

You don't have to be at Trinity United to hear God Damn America, the nation is run by rich white folks, the white man gave blacks HIV Aids Say what? Obama was like Rip Van Winkle asleep in the pews but donating some $22,000 a year to Wright and the church. Where yuour treasure is your heart is also. Obama's attempt to get the race discussion going was a fraud to elicit white liberal guilt. It won't work in November. Obama is caught up in white rascism period. Jerry White, Springfield, IL

Bill thinks Rev. Wright compares unfavorably with Dr. King.

How about this: "America too is going to Hell, if we don't use her wealth. If America does not use her vast resources of wealth to end poverty, to make it possible for all of God's children to have the basic necessities of life, she too will go to Hell."

That's from one of Dr. King's last speeches, to the garbage workers in Memphis. http://www.aft.org/topics/civil-rights/mlk/memphis-speech.htm

You can soundbite that too. Only proves that soundbites make you stupid.

The Trib published more complete versions of the sermons for anyone willing to read them:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-wright-transcripts-webmar29,0,5774556.story

I don't agree with everything Rev. Wright said, but the arguments that we should seek peace because violence begets violence or that governments often fail to serve the interests of their people seem pretty uncontroversial to me. For those who prefer to remain outraged...well, that's your choice.

Chill out Rev. It comes with the territory.

You can always identify the emails from racist, right wing Christian extremists, and Republicans.
First of all in our Constitution states there is to be a separation of Church and State. What don't you understand about that? It's plain and simple that the two should not mixed. Maybe you should educate yourself. But you would rather be lazy and use your own interpretation.
Second, it always amazes me about people who think they are holier than thou because they act as if they are God and pass judgments on those that don't follow their idea of Christianity. God and only God is the one to pass judgement. The role of a Christian is to "Do unto others as you would like done onto yourself". Pretty simple.
Third, Republicans seem to spew hate and be in denial that they are racist and African Americans should feel fortunate, as well stated by the typical Republican " he should've been praising America and been issuing a sermon of satisfaction and happiness". You can be rest assured this is the typical thought of a racist Republican for all African American.

I hope you all feel better about yourselves so that you can go to your church and pray to God thanking him for the perfect people that you are.

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Do the conservatives also condem Christ for his telling us the consequences of their treatment of the poor, vulnerable and sojourners in this nation? Probably not for as Christ told us it is easier to see the speck in the other's eye than the beam in one's own eye.

to the church,
the words you say, and the way they were said call for action of some kind. do you really think people will just sit by and let you do this without some kind of rebuttal? it sounded like you were calling for a war. I served in the marine corps as well, I served in the 60s in s.e. asia, I am asian american. A lot of good men died to give you the right to say what you want to say. but to me you spit in their faces. if you want war preacher come have it with me. I am more then ready to take you on. you are a traitor and a coward who hides behind his religon. my hate for you is the same i have for satan, you are an evil man, and this will come back on you a thousand times. i want to be their to see you go down.

to the church,
the words you say, and the way they were said call for action of some kind. do you really think people will just sit by and let you do this without some kind of rebuttal? it sounded like you were calling for a war. I served in the marine corps as well, I served in the 60s in s.e. asia, I am asian american. A lot of good men died to give you the right to say what you want to say. but to me you spit in their faces. if you want war preacher come have it with me. I am more then ready to take you on. you are a traitor and a coward who hides behind his religon. my hate for you is the same i have for satan, you are an evil man, and this will come back on you a thousand times. i want to be their to see you go down.

to the church,
the words you say, and the way they were said call for action of some kind. do you really think people will just sit by and let you do this without some kind of rebuttal? it sounded like you were calling for a war. I served in the marine corps as well, I served in the 60s in s.e. asia, I am asian american. A lot of good men died to give you the right to say what you want to say. but to me you spit in their faces. if you want war preacher come have it with me. I am more then ready to take you on. you are a traitor and a coward who hides behind his religon. my hate for you is the same i have for satan, you are an evil man, and this will come back on you a thousand times. i want to be their to see you go down.

I am sorry about duplication.
but not what i said.

ROCKETMAN

I am sorry about duplication.
but not what i said.

ROCKETMAN

What a joke of a church, spewing hatred, with jeremiah wright, now with this press conference, its a bigger joke.

Tell where it says in the bilble to hate other people, or better yet Isreal,
where in the bible say Dam with America, if this is a house of God how come so much Hatred, that was seen, coming out of this church,, I did not know god spews and preach hatred,
Barack Obama hiding this fact about the church ,, Why the double standard again, Always a double standard,