I, too, am a pastor in the United Church of Christ

Critters2

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Fri Mar-14-08 05:03 PM
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I, too, am a pastor in the United Church of Christ

Edited on Fri Mar-14-08 05:05 PM by mycritters2

And thought I'd give my perspective. First, many of you know I am not a supporter of Obama, for political reasons. I'm a progressive populist, quite a bit to the left of him, especially on issues of labor and trade, which I think should be given more attention in this race. I supported John Edwards and am not sure who I support of the candidates left running. I have no favorite here.

As a colleague of Jeremiah Wright, I have mixed feelings about his recently posted sermons. I have a very definite opinion about the one (apparently a Christmas sermon--which seems odd) where he compares Obama's and Clinton's life experience. You know..."she doesn't' know what it's like to be Black", etc. This seems to me to have clearly crossed the line, in terms of 501c3 issues. One cannot endorse a candidate from the pulpit, even if that candidate is a member of the congregation. It's clear to me that he was encouraging his congregation to vote for one candidate over another. This is illegal, and he should be held appropriately responsible. So should his church. I've written my judicatory exec voicing this opinion.

As to the sermons where he accuses the gov't of making drugs available to African Americans and spreading AIDS, where he says "God damn America", well, I'm willing to give him some latitude on these matters. I'm told that these are widespread views among African Americans, and that there may be good reason for them to believe these things. This I cannot judge. I do believe Wright was trying to speak in a prophetic tradition, especially when he says "God damn America". The prophets often had only the strongest condemnations for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This country is a mess, and someone needs to say so. Loudly and strongly. I believe that was his intention. The Christian pulpit is no place for nationalism. I understand his feelings.

His speaking also comes out of a Black preaching tradition different than my own. The United Church of Christ is a predominantly white denomination, with its roots in the Genevan Reform of the 16th century. My own preaching style reflects this Reformed heritage, but many African Americans have made the UCC their home along with others whose roots do not lie in Europe. We are grateful for this diversity, and accept that each congregation worships in its own way. Rev. Wright is speaking to an African American congregation, using an African American style. This style is more likely to challenge the culture than that of those of us who have, admittedly, benefited from this culture (and yes, its racism). If he seems angry, that doesn't seem like much of a surprise. 400 years of oppression would piss me off, too. I think his preaching reflects this history.

Trinity United Church of Christ is one congregation in a larger denomination. The UCC is a majority white denomination. If Trinity were a separatist church, it simply wouldn't stay in the UCC. I've served on committees with staff and members of Trinity, heard Trinity's choirs sing at Conference meetings and General Synod, had kids from my (very white) congregation come home from church camp with stories of friends they made who belong to Trinity. I've never felt that race was a factor in any interaction I've had with anyone at Trinity. They clearly see all of us as sisters and brothers in Christ--and in the UCC. These are hardly the behaviors or attitudes of separatists.

We in the UCC get used to being told we're not Christian. We were the first modern church to ordain women and gays. As a national expression of the church, we recognize marriage equality. We take stands that even other Christians oppose. So, being attacked is not new. But it is always disappointing.

Finally, a word about Obama's relationship to Wright. Some of you know--and have let me know--that I can be an asshole. It's true. BUt most of the time, I'm a pretty good pastor, committed to preaching Jesus' message of justice, peace, and new life; offering care to those in need, administering a small congregation to the best of my ability. I also have some parishioners who can be assholes. But most are hard-working people of dignity, integrity, and kindness trying to live as they believe the Creator hopes they will. I hope that no one will judge my fine, caring parishioners by my asshole moments. I hope Senator Obama will be accorded the same consideration as regards his pastor, asshole or not.

Say what you will, I continue to be proud to serve a congregation of the United Church of Christ, and humbled by the responsibilities and opportunities this affords me. Yes, I wish Jeremiah Wright were more temperate in his speech. But we each, in this denomination, have freedom of the pulpit. And the heavy responsibilities that brings. But, over all, we're some pretty good folks trying to build the kingdom.

Thanks,

Critters