My problem with Rev. Wright is how antithetical he is to Obama's own message.

[Zynx]

Reverend Wright routinely refers in his sermons to a "White America" that he also called the "U.S. of KKKA". That is so ridiculous, absurd, and divisive. White America is not some monolithic entity as there are poor whites who share much more in common with poor blacks than they do with rich whites. The thing is I know Obama does not feel this way. His entire fundamental premise is counter to this notion. I always remember in 2004 when he spoke about the commonalities between blue and red states and how we aren't different walled off communities. That's a good message. Reverand Wright's message is damning and unconstructive. Those who "agree" with it simply haven't thought about how it cuts against what Senator Obama is trying to accomplish which is moving beyond that sort of petty division.

To his credit, Obama has thoroughly distanced himself from this agent of division. I applaud him for doing so because it would have been devastating in a general election that I believe will be contentious and hard fought. My biggest concern over the past several days regarding this issue was that the problem was not being recognized and dealt with effectively and I have been trying to highlight exactly why Reverend Wright's comments are problematic. I'm glad Senator Obama recognized it and dealt with it appropriately. However, the issue probably won't be dead completely as Republicans love to harp on things.

[babylonsister]

1. Routinely? How long have you been listening to Rev. Wright's sermons? nt

[skooooo]

2. They're two different people.

Does that help?

[geek tragedy]

3. How many sermons of Wright's have you watched

in their entirety?

This is Swiftboating, and any Democrat who goes along with it can go to Hell.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Rev. Wright is dead on, you might not like the message that he sends...

but I haven't found anything in what I have seen so far that isn't truth..... This country has done so many horrific thinks in the last 100 years that it/we damn well deserve someone calling us on it... And consider that being done by the Rev.

[sorrybushisfromtexas]

5. Reverend Wright

Have you heard a lot of Reverend Wright's sermons? How often have you heard him "use the U.S. of KKKA

Otherwise I totally agree with your post

[0007]

20. I agree whole heartily ..

I enjoy listening to him as much as I do Lenny Bruce, LOrd Buckley, Richard prior. The real asshats are the Hagees, the Jimmy Swaggarts, Jerry Falwells, the Pat Robertsons and the ones that play both ends against the middle and prey on the weak and stupid.

[City Lights]

6. How many times have you attended Trinity to hear him speak?

Before painting with that broad brush, you might want to do a little more reading. Here's two paragraphs to get you started:

<snip>

The minister’s defenders say the statements that have been playing this week on television are outliers, taken out of context, and that he is not antiwhite. The United Church of Christ, the denomination of the Chicago church, is overwhelmingly white. And Mr. Wright is an equal opportunity critic, often delivering scorching lectures about black society, telling audiences to improve their education and work ethic.

“I can remember Jeremiah saying in probably half his sermons: Everyone who’s your color ain’t your kind,” Richard Sewell, a church member, said in an interview last year.

<snip>

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/us/politics/15wright.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[HughMoran]

7. I'm sure Obama only took from the good positive sermons

You can tell by Obama's personality that he is not like Rev. Wright.

[Teaser]

8. I've listened to Public Enemy since I was 15.

This is nothing.

[BeyondGeography]

9. Here's the sermon Barack's book is based on

He's calm, scholarly and anything but incendiary:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xFZROa0rlMU

http://youtube.com/watch?v=A9_LQKlLSBo

[uponit7771]

10. 29 years of sermons and you've heard everyone of them!?!?

[C_U_L8R]

11. and that's why Wright is not running for President

and thank goodness Obama is.

[K Gardner]

12. Agent of division? The man has been preaching and teaching and studying and fighting for

his congregation and community for his whole, entire life.

He and Obama are from different generations. They have a different approach to things.

Wright had to sit in the back of the bus. Obama read about it. It produces different manners of responses.

[AtomicKitten]

13. He's too intellectual for some folks that don't, um, understand his message.

[Zynx]

15. Referring to a "White America" does not prove intellectual prowess.

[AtomicKitten]

17. You have to actually listen to all the words, not just buzzphrases that incite.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5088015&mesg_id=5088445

[Saturday]

14. Obama dealt with it? No he didn't. He sat in the pews while a Pastor

preached about stuff he now says he disagrees with. For 17 years!! He only dealt with it when he was forced to. And he lied in order to deal with it.

[BearSquirrel2]

16. Point to the person ...

Please point to the person you agree 100% with. I think you're taking a few clips of what this pastor is saying out of context.

[laugle]

18. You ask why it wasn't dealt

with, to use Obama's favorite word "JUDGEMENT!" Or lack of it!

The tables have turned........

[Oilwellian]

19. Perhaps this is what attracted Obama to the church

Here are a few of the church's services:

Ministries:

ACTIVE SENIORS AND FRIENDS - are members and friends who are 55 years of age and older. They meet regularly for Bible study and fellowship. They participate in quarterly outings for inspiration and recreation, and provide ongoing care and keeping of other seniors.

ADOPT-A-STUDENT MINISTRY - is focused on trying to retain college students who have gone away from home and are studying at universities and colleges out of the city and state. Importantly, this ministry assures our college students that they: 1) belong to God, and 2) have a church home that cares about them.

AFRICA MINISTRY - promotes, educates and advocates issues concerning Africans in Africa and the Diaspora. Opportunities shall be provided for education, travel, fellowship, economic development, missionary work, financial support, and health education.

ATHLETES FOR CHRIST - welcomes young men and women to build their physical strengths through participation in Christian sport activities.

CAN-CER-VIVE - supports members and friends who are survivors, and/or are presently overcoming and/or encountering the many faces of cancer. The ministry plans and conducts seminars/workshops designed to explore and inform its members about matters of diet, grooming, spiritual support, care-giving/receiving and recreational activities.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT - provides information, training and job fairs to enable unemployed and underemployed members to compete and upgrade their employability for jobs with employers seeking "good" employees.

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION - This ministry is our Afrocentric congregation's attempt to educate our North American members about the many aspects of the Caribbean culture. These aspects include the cuisine, the peoples, the countries, the customs, and the religion of our Lord as practiced in the various Caribbean places.

CHURCH IN SOCIETY - (CIS) - continually seeks ways and opportunities to educate, inform and empower the congregation and community to understand, identify and to be effective advocates for social justice policies that better our lives and our world.

CHURCH SCHOOL - meets Saturday mornings and provides Bible instructions in classes for pre-school through adults.

COMMITTEE FOR CHURCH IN SOCIETY (CIS) - works to establish Christian principles in the economic, social and political aspects of our church and community life.

COUNSELING MINISTRY -Masters Degree Holders in counseling or related professions, enable Church members to receive private, Christian counseling in matters of individual, family, group and/or grief crises.

DANCE MINISTRY - includes children, youth, men and women who are taught the principles of modern dance, ballet, and interpretive dance. They are also taught the African roots of dance in worship and the biblical basis for praising God with dance!

Children's Dance - 7-9 years old
Pre Teen Dance - 10-12 years old
High School Dance - 13-18 years old
Adult Dance - Adult Men & Women
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCACY/CARE MINISTRY - provides Christian support, love and comfort to persons involved in emotional and physically abusive relationships, with husbands/wives, boyfriends/girlfriends or family members.

DRAMA MINISTRY - nurtures the innate abilities of expression present in all of our children and youth as they learn to communicate on the stage to the world.

DRILL TEAM - promotes an understanding of scripture, encourages academic excellence, heightens cultural awareness, fosters self-discipline and develops self-esteem.

Youth Drill Team - 13-18 years old
Women's Drill Team - adult women
Men's Drill Team - adult men
DRUG & ALCOHOL RECOVERY MINISTRY - meets each week with recovering members, their families and friends. Members Member's are encouraged to participate in Christian support groups which acknowledge that only "if the Son (of God) shall set you free, you shall be free, indeed."

EMMAUS ROAD MINISTRY - provides companions, prayer partners, helpers and friends for grieving persons, months after the passing of a loved one. Ongoing contact with the family is maintained.

FINE ARTS & LITERARY GUILD - informs the church family about artistic and cultural events focusing on African and African American heritage.

FOOD SHARE MINISTRY - provides fresh and canned food baskets on a monthly basis for the Hungry, the Homeless, and the Less Fortunate.

GIRL SCOUTS - involve young girls 9 - 17 years of age in the experience of scouting within our Afrocentric Christian environment.

GREETERS MINISTRY - welcome visitors and members to worship and special services.

HEALING MINISTRY - offers the laying on of hands to all who request prayer for healing of spirit, soul or body.

HEALTH ADVISORY MINISTRY - is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illnesses. HAB strives to inform and educate our members and community about "cutting edge" health issues.

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING - supports high school students to enhance their educational progress.

HIV/AIDS MINISTRY - offers comfort through support, education, and training for individuals, families and friends impacted by HIV and AIDS. Training Required.

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY - hosts family repasts, in-house ministry receptions and rolls out the "red carpet", for visitors gathered within our gates.

HOUSING MINISTRY - sponsors seminars to inform the church and community families about tax sales, "how to..." avoid foreclosure; purchase HUD homes; finance mortgages; etc.

INTERNAL SECURITY MINISTRY - provide security for the pastoral staff, members and V.I.P.'s. Additionally, the ministry assists ministries with securing funds when necessary and when offerings are received. Training Required.

INTONJANE - Swahili for "Coming into Womanhood" is a formal Rites of Passage program for young women, ages 8-18 years old. The program involves each participant in inspiring Christian, cultural and social awareness exercises.

ISUTHU - Swahili for "Coming into Manhood" is a formal Rites of Passage program for young men, ages 8-18 years old. The program involves each participant in inspiring Christian, cultural and social awareness exercises.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY - Information Technology Ministry (IT Ministry) provides Information and Technology related services to the church community.

KUJICHAGULIA - The 2nd principle of the Nguzo Saba, meaning "Self-Determination;" provides resources, networking and hands-on assistance to persons who are physically, mentally, and/or emotionally challenged.

LEGAL COUNSELING - The Legal Counseling Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth and development of Christian attorneys and other legal professionals, and provides legal assistance to the Trinity community.


MARRIED COUPLES - provide Christian context and insights for couples who are committed to building and maintaining Christian homes.

MATH TUTORIAL - involves elementary age youth in the rigorous discipline needed to increase their understanding of mathematical concepts.

MEDIA MINISTRY - provides services related to the audio, visual, print, photography and telecommunications. Subcommittees included in this ministry are:

Audio Recording
Audio Sound
Photography
Publications
Tape Sales & Duplication
Video Recording & Lights
MEN'S CELL GROUPS - provides a "safe place" for our brothers to "be themselves", sharing their joys and fears, defeats and victories, breaking down the age-old stereotype that says, "Men can't/don't pray."

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP - follow the traditional model of men in the church who are concerned about healthy and wholesome living with Christ at the center of their pilgrimage.

MILLION FOR THE MASTER - implements programs and services that promote the spiritual, economic, social and political viability of the African American community, focusing on bringing the church into the community and bringing the community into the church.

MINISTRY SERVICES - the mission of the Ministry Services Department is to serve the congregation, staff and Pastor in a responsive manner. To create partnerships between ministries and staff that fulfills the overall mission of the Pastor, Executive Minister and Church.

MUSIC MINISTRIES - God has richly blessed us to have a staff of professionally trained, Christian musicians who devotedly teach choir members to make an offering of their voices. Trinity's Music Department is made up of six choirs:

Imani Ya Watume - Swahili meaning "Messengers of Faith" (high school choir)
Little Warriors for Christ - age six years old through 8th grade.
Men's Chorus - over 90 participants (adult men)
Sanctuary Choir - over 200 participants (adult men and adult women)
Women's Chorus - over 200 participants (adult women)
Walaika - 3 to 5 year olds
NEWNESS OF LIFE -encourages new member candidates to begin their journey by providing informational and inspirational materials.

PRISON MINISTRY - visits the prisons every week of the year! To provide tutorial support and to engage the inmates in rap sessions and training programs.

PROJECT JEREMIAH - provides Christian role models and mentors for the boys and girls in elementary schools each week.

READING TUTORIAL - provides educational experiences through tutoring in reading for elementary school students.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS MINISTRY - provides interpreting and transliterating service so that hearing impaired people can become full participants in the shared worship experience, Bible study and other activities.

SINGLES COMMUNITY MINISTRY - addresses unique issues facing single Christian adults.

Never Married
Divorced
Widowed
Single Parent
Same Gender Loving
Upcoming Events
SISTERHOOD - provides an atmosphere where adult women build trust and explore ways to renew their strength for facing and resolving difficulties.

STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL - oversees the New Member orientation, administers the benevolence budget of the church, and assists with the financial needs of members who are enrolled in accredited seminaries.

Tangeni Adult Dance Ministry

Ministry Purpose/Objectives
The purpose of this ministry shall be to praise God in dance. In keeping with the church’s motto of being “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian,” we recognize that praise and worship in dance is both an expression of our heritage and an acknowledgement of our faith. Tangeni, as led by the spirit, shall provide fellowship and nurturing to its members through devotion during rehearsals, seminars, retreats and other related activities. Tangeni provides an opportunity for its members to enhance and use their spiritual gifts in order that we may minister unto the church universal and the community at large


TAPE VISITATION MINISTRY - enhances the overall ministry of sick visitation by personally carrying services of worship (audio cassettes) to members and extended family who are hospitalized, shut-in at home and/or extended care facilities.

TRINITY COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER
Trinity Computer Learning Center (TCLC) is a faith-based training facility for Trinity United Church of Christ and the community at large using computer technology to help cross the digital divide.

USHER BOARD - are the doorkeepers in the house of the Lord. Include are:

Youth - 8-12 years old
Young Adult - 13-18 years old
Adult - Men and Women
VILLAGE KEEPERS - ensure that members are safely escorted to and from their cars and in between the 532, 421 and 400 buildings. They provide a presence of protection and security.

WOMEN'S GUILD - is the volunteer corps for the residents of the two Trinity sponsored senior residences.

YOGA MINISTRY - helps participants maintain physical, mental and spiritual fitness.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY - nurtures Christians between the ages of 18 and 35 by addressing issues and concerns of young African American Christian adults; and provides a bridge over which teenagers transition into adulthood.

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN WALK - provides character development from a Christian perspective. Activities are supportive of and sensitive to developing cultural and spiritual awareness.

YOUTH CHURCH MINISTRY PARTNERS - are committed to teaching children ages 3-10 years of age about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the use of Christian Education materials, music, prayers, and crafts, your child can participate in an atmosphere that is designed to teach them all the elements of worship. 3-year olds must be potty-trained and not wearing pull-ups. Space is limited to a first-come first-served basis at the 7:30 am and 11:00 am services. The space is also limited by the capacity of the classrooms for your child's particular age group.

http://www.tucc.org/ministries.htm

[AlertLurker]

21. You may be mistaken in some of your assumptions.

While I agree that White USAmerKKKa is not a monolithic entity, from the AA perspective, it certainly FEELS that way. Even the poorest white has never been called "ni**er," or made to feel like the butt of a bad joke - like a second class citizen in his own country. The U.S. of KKKA is alive and well - and GROWING in many Southern and Rural communities. The M$M is feeding the racial fears and irrational hatred to a new generation of jobless and hopeless, uneducated Southern and rural whites, provoking the anger of African-American, Latinos and religious organizations. ven religion is being politicized in order to exploit racial hatred between Black and White Churches. It's a vicious cycle. The proliferation of internet hate-speech sites over the last five years scares the shit out of me - and it's getting WORSE, not better.

While I applaud Obama for not falling into this negative, racially-laden TRAP, I also realize that I do not know of any African-Americans who have not felt the same way as Rev. Wright at SOME point in their recent lives. The civil rights marches of the 1960s started a movement of hope, racial acceptance and equality among (mostly urban) young whites. Where is that movement today? It is soreley needed. This is what, more than anything, I believe that Obama must tap into in order to HELP USAmeriKKKa.

I have never supported Obama before (point of fact, I have often been OPPOSED to his candidacy), but I am beginning to believe that, for the sake of hope and racial healing alone, AmeriKKA may need a Black President more than a Female President.

[Texas Hill Country]

22. he proved he is a politician and threw his friend and mentor under the bus.