Apr 30, 2008 6:27 pm US/Central
Local Ministers Weigh In On Obama-Wright Rift
Some African American Pastors Say They Sympathize With Obama
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Rev. Marshall Hatch supports Sen. Barack Obama's painful decision to break with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
CBS
For the first time local African-American ministers are talking about the rift between the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Sen. Barack Obama.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports more than a dozen African-American church leaders met behind closed doors to discuss the city's wave of violence, and sources say, to talk about the controversy swirling about Obama and Rev. Wright.
When it ended, most agreed to talk to reporters only about their plans to combat crime.
The political firestorm surrounding the pastor, the candidate and the black church seemed too touchy for most of the ministers. Two clergymen who were willing to speak said they support Obama's harsh denunciation of Wright.
"The senator was quite eloquent. He was quite pained. He was hurt, quite frankly, and rightfully so," said Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church. "He distanced himself from his pastor's remarks, which he should have done."
Rev. Marshall Hatch was in Washington Monday and saw for himself Wright's controversial press club speech and news conference. He says his heart goes out to Obama, and said he hopes Wright will not respond.
"What we saw yesterday with Sen. Barack Obama, I think we had a glimpse into his soul. That was painful for any… I'm sorry this is enough, for any parishioner to have to do in a relationship they've had with their pastor. And I think decent people in faith based communities, they understand that," said Rev. Marshall Hatch of the Leaders Network.
Both ministers praised Rev. Wright for the good work he and his church have done. Rev. Acree suggested however that his controversial statements collided with Obama's role as a unifier for the country.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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