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Reverend Wright, Right Message? Save Email Print
Posted: 11:40 PM May 4, 2008
Last Updated: 8:45 AM May 5, 2008
Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com


A | A | A

Sunday morning at Shiloh First Baptist Church, in Bryan, the message was all about peace.

After the service, parishioners weren't shy too shy to say what they thought about Barack Obama's minister, Pastor Jeremiah Wright.

Wright has said that the eleven-o-clock hour on Sunday morning is "the most segregated hour" in America.

"It doesn't matter. Even if its true, it doesn't matter, because church is church," said Shiloh Baptist Church attendee Shammara Clay.

Speaking at the National Press Club last week, Wright said the recent attention given to his sermons was "an attack on the black church."

Bryan Pastor Kris Erskine disagrees.

"To take this opportunity to continue to feed this to the media, I just don't understand it. I don't agree with a lot of things he's said, but I don't think it's a slam against the black church," said Erskine.

Regarding media criticism of his sermons, Wright said that, "the media was making a fool out of itself, because it knew nothing about our tradition."

Some Shiloh Baptist members said those traditions are important to talk about.

"The only way people can truly understand what it is to be an American and what it is to be an African-American is probably to live it. Because everybody can't live it and we have to all live together, what we have to do is to have the conversation," said Gwendolyn Webb-Johnson.

Pastor Erskine says those differences should be a different conversation than the one about Obama.

"I honestly think that they need to be discussed, I don't think the timing is right," said Erskine. "Rather than say comments that will deter and distract him from getting there, we need to be saying things that will determine and help him get there."

At least one church member at Shiloh Baptist would like to shift the focus off of Wright and back to the candidates.

"I don't think its a non-issue, I think we need to hear it. If indeed its going to be a core part of this democratic campaign then we need to be talking to Hillary's pastor too, and unless I missed it, I have not seen that," said Webb-Johnson.

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Posted by: Idiot Detector on May 7, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Barako and Wright are idiots!!!

Posted by: Debbie Location: Bryan on May 7, 2008 at 02:54 PM
It is because of people like Rev. Wright that we are still struggling with racism. Most people I know want to get past this and just be American. Why do we have to have "African American," "Hispanic American,", etc. Why do we have to have a "Black Congressional Congress?" God forbid we tried to have a "White Congressional Congress" or "United White College Fund." I don't know of anyone that tries to separate the races as much as people like Rev. Wright. Plus, there is no way O'Bama sat in those services for 20 years and didn't know what Wright was saying.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 09:39 AM
>>>In this world you will forever deal with racism for the simple fact that it's always about the color of your skin.<<< So the Italians who hate Irish and vice versa isn't racism? It's about PREJUDICE, period. >>>One last thought, are we questioning the values of Mr.McCain or Ms. Clinton?<<< A lot of folks are, just not here; the fact that Obama didn't see fit to distance himself from an avowed racist until it became politically expedient to do so says the same thing about him as it did about a fellow named Wallace 40 years ago (different colored loudmouths, same hateful message...)

Posted by: To Anonymous Location: Change? on May 7, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Simply advocating change is not a reason to support a candidate. Many world leaders such as Stalin, Hitler and Herbert Hoover have brought about changes that were bad. Barrack Husein Obama's voting record gives us a very good idea of the type of change he supports. He advocates an increase in taxes for everyone across the board. He is adamantly opposed to your right to use a firearm to defend your family from an act of violence. He refuses to say the pledge or even place his hand over his chest when it is said. You and Husein Obama may have a lot in common, but he and I have nothing in common.

Posted by: Doctor Location: Bryan on May 7, 2008 at 08:34 AM
You know what else is funny and seems that no one has talked about is the fact that when Bill Clinton finally admitted to his affair with Monica who did the Clinton ask to the White house to pray for them and their marriage? You got it, the REV. Jeremiah Wright. Long time friend and supporter of the Clintons. I guess he was racist then too.

Posted by: Doctor Location: Bryan on May 7, 2008 at 08:27 AM
It seems funny to me that when a Black pastor starts talking about injustices in America he is called a crack pot or racist. Since 911, Johh Hagee a White pastor in San Antonio, has preache extensively on the issue of America being punished by God for all their sins and excesses but no one seems to be blasting him all over the media. Oh, before you say he is not backing a presidential candidate, Hagee has urged his members and supporters of his ministry to vote out congressmen and senators who support gay rights and abortion, and he has a national audience that listens to him. Still, I hear no one in the media saying that he is racist. I think that Hagee, Wright or David Duke can preach whatever they want to but if you are going to blast some one blast them all.

Posted by: john Location: College Station on May 6, 2008 at 04:34 PM
>>>>Van Taylor would not have endorsed this idiot. (Obama)<<<< Sorry to break it to you, but Van Taylor would have (and still would if he'd been elected) endorsed Osama Bin Laden if he thought it would been to his political advantage; his campaigns both against Tucker and Edwards proved that. Which is unfortunately why I had to hold my nose and vote against him last time...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 03:42 PM
For those of you who are bashing Obama since, why not vote for him because we need change; instead of remarks made by someone who Mr. Obama called his mentor at one time. I myself go to church on a regular basis, but everything that my pastor says i do not agree. In this world you will forever deal with racism for the simple fact that it's always about the color of your skin. One last thought, are we questioning the values of Mr.McCain or Ms. Clinton?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Van Taylor would not have endorsed this idiot. (Obama)

Posted by: Registered Voter Location: 17th Congressional Dist on May 6, 2008 at 09:31 AM
We need to keep in mind that our liberal congressman, Chet Edwards has endorsed Barrack Husein Obama for president. Barrack Husein Obama not only attended Wrights church for 20 years he refuses to say the pledge of allegiance. Barrack Husein Obama also introduced legislation in the Illinois state senate that would give burglars the right to sue home owners that shoot them in self defense. He supports an all out ban on handguns as well. Liberals like Barrack Husein Obama and Chet Edwards might speak for San Francisco, but they do not fit in with the Brazos Valley.

Posted by: john Location: College Station on May 6, 2008 at 05:36 AM
>>>>Wright has said that the eleven-o-clock hour on Sunday morning is "the most segregated hour" in America.<<<< If it is, it's HIS fault, not ours; Our church accepts and has many hispanic, black, and asian members. But when he preaches that the mere fact that people aren't black automatically means that they are racist, why is he surprised that those of us who aren't racists don't bother to show up for his next rant?

Posted by: J Location: Grimes County on May 5, 2008 at 11:09 PM
To Jo in Navasota: "You listen and you more on knowing right from wrong for yourself. You do not let it run you from your church. On judgement day you give an account of your on sins knot the next man or woman." Yes, we all will give an account for our own sins but do you REALLY BELIEVE that God wants us to sit in a church for 20 years listening to a "Reverend" blaspheme God's word? Are you serious????? There are plenty of churches out there that speak the TRUTH! Visit them until you find one.

Posted by: Debbie Location: bryan on May 5, 2008 at 10:19 PM
What an idiot!

Posted by: JP Location: BCS on May 5, 2008 at 07:02 PM
If you use the word white everytime Rev. Wright said black you would be called a racist. If you said the US. government came out with Aids to kill white people you would be called a Dumb---. If you went to a Church and the Rev. said God Damn America for years,You would be called unamerican and hateful. If you went to a Church for 20yrs and listened to this every Sunday you would be called a supporter of this type of view. Who is Obama after 20yrs of this.

Posted by: b j on May 5, 2008 at 02:41 PM
wright hates the white people and Americans and is obama mentor.

Posted by: d Location: college station on May 5, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Yes it is serious. Yes we have the freedom of speech. We also have the freedom to choose leaders. Mr. Obama sat and listened to this Pastor for years. He married him, he baptizied his children. People like his pastor are racist themsleves. He has spewed hatred from the pulpit, and taught it to the young sitting in that "church" if that's what you want to call it. But Mr. Obama didn't hear it...and he doesn't agree with it. Ok, whatever. Black, white, it doesn't matter to me. It is not an issue. But the the words of "THE PASTOR" they indeed are and the fact that Mr. Obama sat and listened to it for YEARS is an issue too! Wake up America

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Houston on May 5, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I think it is offensive for someone such as Rev. Wright to use the guise of religion to propagate anti-American sentiment and absolutely and unequivocally false statements pertaining to HIV/AIDS, 9/11, among other things. However, as some as said this is his right as an American to his freedom of speach, no matter how uneducated or repulsive. Some have said that our disgust with this has shown that we "do not believe in...freedom of speach" anymore, but I don't that is the case. As disgusting as his comments, no one is condemning or censuring his right to speak, they are merely excercising thier own right to freedom of speach in disagreeing. Also, I'm no religious scholar, but last time I checked "Black," "White," or otherwise colored churches all believed in the same general religious doctrine. I thought the Bible preached tolerance, forgiveness, and a general drive towards spritual wellness, which seems to be the polar opposite of what Rev. Wright preaches in his hateful rhetoric.

Posted by: Cristal Location: Midway on May 5, 2008 at 12:50 PM
You lie down with dogs, you get up with flees. Simply stated!

Posted by: Alex Location: Bryan on May 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Why can't Whites have a "White church" and call it a "tradition"? Such a double standard in reporting! Obama's church is rabidly racist and Afrocentric. Last I checked, he was running for President of the US, not Africa.

Posted by: Pamela Location: College Station on May 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I just don't understand how Reverend Wright thinks his comments are doing any good to get Obama elected. This election wasn't about race until he opened his mouth and made it ignorant. I agree politics SHOULD be kept out of church. I also think if I was an Obama supporter I'd shut up and cast my vote and be done with it. No one "wins friends and influences people" with messes like this.

Posted by: Jo Location: navasota on May 5, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Since when is the church congregation held acountable what comes out of the Pastors mouth. You listen and you more on knowing right from wrong for yourself. You do not let it run you from your church. On judgement day you give an account of your on sins knot the next man or woman.

Posted by: Helen Location: Madisonville on May 5, 2008 at 11:18 AM
We the people also have the right not to vote for someone we don't agree with. The pastor and obama are one of the same or they would'nt have had a 20 year relationship. Shame on the biased media for not asking questions that we want to know the answers too.Why won't Hussien pledge to our flag? Did he not hear what the pastor was saying and subjecting his children to such hate speech? Where is his Mom and her family? How is he going to unify our country when his longtime pastor is dividing and obama is not responding in a way that he should? I think that they don't want him to win. If he did trash like jessie, al, and the other hate mongers would be out of a job. Don't trust them because they have another motive!!!!!!!

Posted by: rr on May 5, 2008 at 11:07 AM
a picture of your next pres. $ vice pres.

Posted by: jfk Location: bryan on May 5, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Obama and Wright are egotistic. Neither could care less about Americans. Obama wants to be the first black president and thats all. Better think down the road..

Posted by: jk Location: bryan on May 5, 2008 at 09:45 AM
This is the very reason I wont vote for Obama, sometimes we are judged by the company we keep. This is serious folks.

Posted by: No BO on May 5, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Why does pastor Erksine still support Obama, given his associations with Wright, former terrorists like William Ayers, etc? And why isn't Hillary's pastor scrutinized? Could it be because he isn't spewing racist, anti-American hateful speech from the pulpit? Hmmm?

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Bryan on May 5, 2008 at 09:00 AM
It is sad that in 2008, that as Americans we do not believe in what our very Constitution states, that we have the right to freedom of speech. The issue is not what Jeremiah Wright said, but that he has the right to say it according to the laws of this country, whether we agree with it or not, it is his right. We are citizens of the same country that will ostracize a man for his opinion, yet say nothing about the curse words we hear and see on television. Wright's opinion & statements are no different than what supremacy groups say during their legalized rallies and protests. Though we do not like what they say, they still have the inalienable right to say it.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Regardless of Wright's comments, I personally wouldn't vote for an "American" who refuses to pledge allegiance to the AMERICAN FLAG. It would be a sad day in America to elect someone like that. Wright is not the only one making Barak look bad--He's doing a good enough job of that himself.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 06:16 AM
I wish the Assocaition for pastor's would step in a shut Wright up, I'm so sick of hearing him proclaim God and in the same breathe cruse like a sailor. Have you heard a white preacher get up and talk about all the things that Wright accuse the white people of? No! He is the one who makes it about color, Newsflash people equality was given a long time ago, move on!!!!!

Posted by: edde g. on May 5, 2008 at 05:57 AM
reverand wright and barack obama are not black they are multiracial.

Posted by: lp Location: college station on May 5, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Church's need to stay out of politics. Church should be about God, not about politics, and anyone who says g-d america should not be a pastor anywhere!

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