Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright

He is a Community Icon, a Committed Leader an American Hero and the Latest Weapon Against Barack Obama

Because of some of his sermons and particularly because he was the pastor of the leading Democratic contender for the presidency of the United States, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright has been the focus of a barrage of criticism that has attempted to derail Senator Barack Obama’s political campaign—a momentum that seems to be unstoppable. But who is Rev. Wright and why are his comments being used in the current political drama that is being played out daily in the national media. Did he just begin speaking out forcefully about issues that some believe are off-limits to Black preachers or is he a firebrand preacher who dares to say what others only contemplate? Why is he characterized as the “rebellious” son of a Baptist minister?

Rev. Wright is the senior pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) in Chicago and has been at the helm of the church for the past 36 years until he recently retired. During that time he has preached a social gospel on behalf of oppressed men, women and children, and have been responsible for the development of a series of ministries including assisted living facilities for senior citizens, pastoral care and counseling, HIV/AIDS hospice and training, domestic violence programs, scholarships to HBCUs and the seminary, tutorial and computer programs, and a host of other services that impact the quality of life of the community and which also has a global outreach.

Rev. Wright spent six years in the military before settling on his lifelong role as the pastor of men. When he became the pastor of TUCC, it had less than a hundred congregants and the church’s motto was “Unashamedly Black and unapologetically Christian.” Under his stewardship, the current church membership exceeded 8,000 and the membership included hip-hop artist, Common, and of course, Senator Obama. The pastoral experience of leading a Black church is unlike any other leadership experience. The Black church can trace its origins back to slavery where it served as a source of comfort to its members, and as the only place where freedom was unfettered. As a consequence, the Black church (pastors) has always played a major role in the development of the Black community. They share the joys and partake in the sorrows; they are the real interpreters of Black life rather than experts and academicians trained in the specious rhetoric of deception.

Speak Out!   Has the media largely distorted the facts related to Rev.  Wright's  statements during service which appear to be unpatriotic?

Published in : News, Politics