Barack Obama's spiritual mentor retires from pastorate.

Wolfman · #1 02-14-2008, 01:22 AM

Bro. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, recently preached his last sermon as pastor of this 8500+ member congregation. He is a legend; and his ministry modelled African American empowerment.It was under his ministry that Barack Obama came to faith in Jesus Christ. Obama's electrifying speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention was inspired by one of Bro. Wright's sermons.

(I met him in the early '90s when he came to my seminary to lecture.)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,6577718.story
http://www.corinthianbaptistchurch.o..._wright_jr.htm

ladygreek · #2 02-14-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Bro. Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago recently preached his last sermon as pastor of this 8500+ member congregation. He is a legend; and his ministry modelled African American empowerment.It was under his ministry that Barack Obama came to faith. Obama's electrifying speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention was inspired by one of Bro. Wright's sermons.

(I met him in the early '90s when he came to my seminary to lecture.)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...,6577718.story
http://www.corinthianbaptistchurch.o..._wright_jr.htm

I've noticed how Barack's speeches have taken on a "preacher" style and cadence.

Wolfman · #3 02-14-2008, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladygreek

I've noticed how Barack's speeches have taken on a "preacher" style and cadence.

It's true. One of the things that sets him apart as a great communicator is that he draws on the venerable and rich black homiletical style. The proof is in the pudding, as the British would say. When you listen to a Hillary or McCain speech it's like listening to a lecture or a pep talk.

ladygreek · #4 02-14-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfman

It's true. One of the things that sets him apart as a great communicator is that he draws on the venerable and rich black homiletical style. The proof is in the pudding, as the British would say. When you listen to a Hillary or McCain speech it's like listening to a lecture or a pep talk.

True.

Little32 · #5 02-14-2008, 01:18 PM

When I go to church, I go to Trinity. I am sorry to see him retire; I have a great deal of respect for him as a preacher and a public intellectual.

Wolfman · #6 02-14-2008, 01:35 PM

Bro. Wright is a stalwart Que. Made in 1960, he is a member of Rho Gamma Gamma grad chapter in Chicago. He's been known to "throw up the hooks" in the pulpit. (If one listens to the congratulatory claps, etc. in the background as he is about to start his last sermon at Trinity, you will hear some barks intermingled with the other celebratory sounds.)

Alias_01 · #7 02-17-2008, 05:34 PM

I am a new member of Trinity UCC...Rev. Wright (initiated thru Zeta Chapter) is INCREDIBLE and surely will be missed. I attended his last sermon and it was moving. The Great thing is that he has picked an incredible successor in Rev. Otis III Moss who is non-greek but he is a MOREHOUSE MAN! :-)

YAHSHUA's son · #8 02-17-2008, 11:01 PM

To any one who goes to Trinity.

1) How did Yoga become a ministry at the church?

2) Is the same gender loving ministry there to help gays come out of the lifestyle or is it to support our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who want to celebrate their lifestyle as a gift from God.

3) and is common a born again believer in Jesus Christ ? ..that would be news for real.....

Little32 · #9 02-21-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alias_01

I am a new member of Trinity UCC...Rev. Wright (initiated thru Zeta Chapter) is INCREDIBLE and surely will be missed. I attended his last sermon and it was moving. The Great thing is that he has picked an incredible successor in Rev. Otis III Moss who is non-greek but he is a MOREHOUSE MAN! :-)

How do you think that the church is transitioning? I have been going to Trinity for about 18 years now--weekly at first (because of my grandma) and sort of sporadically now--and the last few times I have been, there were considerably less people in the pews.

ladygreek · #10 02-21-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAHSHUA's son

2) Is the same gender loving ministry there to help gays come out of the lifestyle or is it to support our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ who want to celebrate their lifestyle as a gift from God.

Are you saying what I think I you are saying? If so, I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised.

Little32 · #11 02-21-2008, 02:12 PM

^^I don't think that there is anything flattering or openminded about that post.

Alias_01 · #12 02-22-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little32

^^I don't think that there is anything flattering or openminded about that post.

^^Which is why I did not respond.

But to answer your question...the church is still in full celebration mode for Rev. Wright's Anniversary/ Retirement..I dont think it has settled that he is leaving. We'll see how things are..come the end of March or April.

One this is for sure that Rev. Otis plays it a lot safer when it comes to political issues. I dont think he is as "radical" as Jeremiah but they share the same idealogies when it comes to keep the church very Afro-centric. This marks a new era in the legacy of TUCC and I think you will see a small decline in the membership only because some folks follow the preacher more than the word.

darling1 · #13 02-22-2008, 12:11 PM

the mud is starting to sling regarding obama. i saw something on the cnn or maybe a local news report discussiong this church and the pastor. because of his 'radical' thinking obama's relationship with the church could potentially be an issue.

because obama is so close in the races in texas and ohio, i think he more than likely will be the democratic candidate. he may have a hard time with mccain with the republican party and alot of on the fence voters.

http://www.newshounds.us/2008/01/22/...lly_factor.php

http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3236

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nat...,1629577.story

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...011402083.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alias_01

^^Which is why I did not respond.

But to answer your question...the church is still in full celebration mode for Rev. Wright's Anniversary/ Retirement..I dont think it has settled that he is leaving. We'll see how things are..come the end of March or April.

One this is for sure that Rev. Otis plays it a lot safer when it comes to political issues. I dont think he is as "radical" as Jeremiah but they share the same idealogies when it comes to keep the church very Afro-centric. This marks a new era in the legacy of TUCC and I think you will see a small decline in the membership only because some folks follow the preacher more than the word.

Little32 · #14 02-23-2008, 09:15 AM

Wow, really! Jeremiah Wright never struck me as radical, rather he is outspoken and willing to call a spade a spade (one of the reasons that I respect him). It is ok to be political, as long as the politicians are comfortable with what you are saying.

darling1 · #15 02-23-2008, 11:08 PM

its a fine line churches walk when they mix politics and the pulpit. i just put this info out there because i found it very interesting especially since the race is so close, mccain has already gotten a leg up since he is more than likely going to be the republican candidate and hillary is now the one in the hole (somewhat). this issue could be similar to the issue that kerry faced when his military record came into question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little32

Wow, really! Jeremiah Wright never struck me as radical, rather he is outspoken and willing to call a spade a spade (one of the reasons that I respect him). It is ok to be political, as long as the politicians are comfortable with what you are saying.