Do the Wright thing

Richard Cohen at The Washington Post today (see post below) has taken to the mainstream the whisperings about Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Obama's pastor in Chicago and an article in his Trumpet magazine honoring Louis Farrakhan. Greg Sargent at Talking Points Memo asked Obama's campaign for a response, and has just received this from the candidate: "I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan. I assume that Trumpet magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree."

So who is Wright, really? Here is an excerpt from the Chicago church's online bio: "Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. became Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) on March 1, 1972. Within a matter of months he demonstrated an understanding and deep commitment to help TUCC achieve its motto and vision. The motto, 'Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian' , was a phrase coined by his predecessor, the Reverend Dr. Reuben Sheares, and was officially adopted by the congregation shortly after Pastor Wright began his ministry.

"Trinity United Church of Christ’s membership currently exceeds 8,000 and in May 1997 a new 2,700 seat worship center was dedicated. The membership continues to grow numerically and spiritually with large numbers of members tithing and participating in bible classes. Over 70 ministries are offered to enhance our Christian journey.

"Pastor Wright holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, a Master’s degree from Howard University, an additional Master’s degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School and seven honorary doctorate degrees. He has lectured at many seminaries and universities in the nation, and has represented Trinity and The United Church of Christ around the world."

The Trumpet magazine which contains the Farrakhan interview, I see from its site, boasts that its "Featured Supporter" is U.S. Cellular. Here is a link to the current issue with the Farrakhan article and Wright's statements about him:
http://www.trumpetmag.com/current_issue.cfm
Last February, the church posted on its site Wright's "talking points" in response to an attack aired on Fox's "Hannity and Colmes." Here is the link:
http://www.tucc.org/talking_points.htm