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Obama Quits His Church
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ShareMay 31, 2008 6:24 PM
Jake Tapper, George Stephanopoulos, and Sunlen Miller report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., today resigned from his controversial church, Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago.
Obama had been in discussions about resigning with his church's new pastor, Rev. Otis Moss before the latest controversy, which involved a longtime friend of Obama's, Father Michael Pfleger, mocking Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, just last Sunday form the church's pulpit, using racially charged language, to the apparent delight of the congregation.
"Rev. Moss, when Hillary was crying, and people said that was put on, I really don't believe it was put on," Pfleger said from the pulpit. "I really believe that she just always thought, 'This is mine! I'm Bill's wife, I'm white, and this is mine! I just gotta get up and step into the plate.' And then out of nowhere came, 'Hey, I'm Barack Obama,' and she said, 'Oh, damn! Where did you come from? I'm white! I'm entitled! There's a black man stealing my show!'
Pfleger then mocked Clinton's tears.
"She wasn't the only one crying, there was a whole lot of white people crying!" Pfleger said to laughter.
After his sermon, Rev. Moss thanked Pfleger: "We thank God for the message, we thank God for the messenger, we thank God for Father Michael Pfleger," Moss said.
Obama's resignation from his church was first reported Saturday evening by CNN.
The previous controversy involving his church involved heated rhetoric from its former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, whose sermons used incendiary language to discuss the U.S. and race. The controversy prompted Obama to deliver a widely-publicized speech about race and later to condemn Wright.
Sources tell ABC News that Obama felt that as the campaign continued, the media would continue to focus on the church, to the detriment of the church community, that Obama would be held responsible for what happened in the church, and that the Church would be held responsible for his campaign. It would be best, Obama felt, to simply cut ties. He has not yet joined a new church.
As he distanced himself from Wright on April 29, Obama expressed disappointment in how the media maelstrom had intruded on the church.
"When I go church it's not for spectacle, it's to pray and to find to find a stronger sense of faith, it's not to posture politically it's not to, you know, it's not to hear things that violate my core beliefs," he said. "And I certainly don't want to provide a distraction to those who are worshipping at Trinity. As of this point I'm a member. I haven't had a discussion with Rev Moss about it so I can't tell you how he's reacting and how he's responding ... there’s been great damage."
Obama will address the matter this evening at a campaign stop in South Dakota.
UPDATE: Trinity United has issued a paper statement from the current pastor, Rev. Otis Moss:
"Trinity United Church of Christ was informed that Senator Barack Obama and his family will no longer be members of our church. Though we are saddened by the news, we understand that it is a personal decision. We will continue to lift them in prayer and wish them the best as former members of our trinity community. As in the prayer for the ephesians, our entire trinity family ask that the nation entrust Barack, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha, to God's care and guidance, so that Christ may continue to dwell in their lives, in their hearts, and in their work. We ask now for god's peace to be with them. 'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more and all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.'
Ephesians 3:20"
- Rev. Otis Moss III
May 31, 2008 in Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (857)
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GET OUT YOUR POPCORN FOLKS. HERE COMES THE COMEDY SHOW.
WATCH ALL THE OBAMA PUPPETS SPIN WHY HE LEFT THE CHURCH WHILE DEFENDING WHY HE STAYED FOR 5 MONTHS.
SPIN IT OBAMA LOVERS, SPIN IT.
Posted by: cgeast | May 31, 2008 6:39:15 PM
What did he pray for in that church? That all white people would be destroyed. There's not a lot of praying going on. A lot of spectacle.
Posted by: LonghornMama | May 31, 2008 6:39:28 PM
Obama,
There was no need for you to have resigned from your church. We all know that you don't share your pastors' racially divisive views.
If every christian were to resign from his or her church because of one or two stupid things their pastor said or did, there would not be anyone left in the catholic church. Also Rev. Hagee would not be have the kind of congregation that he is having now.
So, there was no need for the resignation. However, I still support you! May God bless America!!
Posted by: dew5050 | May 31, 2008 6:40:51 PM
I knew this would happen. I just expected him to demand free air time to give another one of his slick speeches that are so full of hot air he could float a balloon. He will still lose the general for his 20 year association/membership. My husband, a Republican said if Hillary has the guts, she should never accept VP, and be on any ticket with this hypocrite. I am a Hillary supporter and he said "How would you feel if she did that"...I'd have more respect for her. She should keep so far away from him if she ever wants to run again. Because if you can't stand the thought of Barack Hussein Obama anywhere near the White House today.....that ain't gonna change between now and Nov. 3.
Posted by: Debra | May 31, 2008 6:40:52 PM
Obama can not deceive the Americans anymore. He has palyed the smoke and mirror for a long time. Now he is making smoke again to hide his divisive, racist and anti-American connections. NOBAMA NOBAMA. You are doomed.
Posted by: Chiman | May 31, 2008 6:42:48 PM
For all of you alleging this, please tell me exactly what hateful and racist things Obama's children heard in church?
Posted by: jock59801 | May 31, 2008 6:43:21 PM
Everyone who meets you will know the kind of man you are. We will always love you Obama, win or not. People may cast aspersions on your character but that is because they dont really know you. Introduce yourself to voters and I tell you for everyone you lose, you will gain three. Bravo, Obama
Posted by: vuzous | May 31, 2008 6:43:21 PM
SPIN IT OBAMA LOVERS, SPIN IT.
Posted by: cgeast | May 31, 2008 6:44:33 PM
Can anyone here contemplate for a minute what the mood would have been had Obama been in Clinton's postion today? (ie loosing in just the delegate count which is what really matters) Let me read from some honest people not spin doctors oe outright liars.
Posted by: Churchill | May 31, 2008 6:44:40 PM
funny....funny !! yeah, it was time to quit that church, don't ya think? now he's in another mess of a church... must just be his choosings (or taste).
Posted by: sally | May 31, 2008 6:44:44 PM
Obama and Kenyan dad = Atheist. Obama and Indonesian Step dad = Muslim.
Obama and Michelle = Black Liberation Theology....WILL THE REAL BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA STAND UP.
Posted by: Debra | May 31, 2008 6:45:31 PM
This is just too funny BO now quits the church that he said not long ago he wouldnt quit
He dumped uncle Jerry after saying he wouldnt dump him
He dumped Farrakan after praising him
What happens when the tape with MO comes out will he dump her too?
His dumping the church is simply a ploy for the canidacy yet he will assure the congregation that he thinks they are wonderful and godly people
Why isnt this church being investigated by the irs as all of the holy men in it seem to use it for political reasons
The church and all who praise it are
very twisted individuals
Wright Ottis and the latest wanna be preacher are all hateful and as un christian as they can be
Obama can say what ever he likes he stuck with the church and all the nut jobs in it until they thretened his obsession with the nomination
Posted by: Betty | May 31, 2008 6:45:42 PM
I thought your church wasn't controversial? I guess you are wrong again, Mr. Obama.
Posted by: Mack | May 31, 2008 6:46:02 PM
The way Obama is dis-associating himself with this racist, anti-American and divisive friends, we can expect a divorce with Michelle before the general election.
Posted by: Chiman | May 31, 2008 6:46:28 PM
Love those who hate you, the love you shine will finally reflect on those who hate you. We all understand the kind of atmosphere we live in. Keep the good work going.
Posted by: vuzous | May 31, 2008 6:46:48 PM
Obama spend TWENTY YEARS in this church.
NOW, because Axelrod and Burton have informed him that the church could cost him the election he DUMPS the very church he went to and defended for 20 years?
There is NO WAY the american people want this kind of a PANSY FLIP FLOPPER for president.
SPIN IT OBAMA LOVERS , SPIN IT.
-YALL JUST DEFENED OBAMA AND HIS CHURCH FOR 20 YEARS
-NOW DEFEND THE EXACT OPPOSITE VIEW OF WHY HE LEAVES.
SPIN , SPIN , SPIN
Posted by: cgeast | May 31, 2008 6:47:15 PM
You guys are tards! He divorced himself now because these "preachers" are acting like a bunch of drama queens and attention whores....Obama's popularity has grown and now these idiots are making a spectacle for the attention
QUITING THE CHURCH WAS THE BEST THING OBAMA HAS DONE
This is why organized religion is trash
you want to seek god
live your life right
love your brothers and sisters
but don't go to churches that have pedophiles, theives and conmen saying they are god's representatives like a Wright or a Hagge
Posted by: Obamarama | May 31, 2008 6:47:37 PM
.
20 years of hatred and he resigns today?
He his hiding behind the attention being paid to the DNC meeting.
I am firmly convinced now that he is a just another slime bucket.
Eeverything he does is politcal yet he claims to bring a new way to Washington.
I've waited 8 years to hear a voice on the TV that did not grate my nerves and remind me of everthing I dislike. Now I have to look foward to this liar?
Probably not, how could anyone vote for this man after this?
.
Posted by: JSF | May 31, 2008 6:47:41 PM
Wow the wheels are really coming off the wagon. Had he done it 20 years ago it would make sense, now its just pissing off a large formally loyal base. If he runs the oval office like his campaign we'll be run by Osama Bin Laden by '09.
Posted by: Dennis | May 31, 2008 6:47:52 PM
Wow... Sure are plenty of Republican talking points here, aren't there?
Posted by: John Weiss | May 31, 2008 6:47:56 PM
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