Wright or Wrong

I am an ordained Baptist minister and have led a congregation in the past; today I am the pastor and spiritual leader of “New Harvest Ministries.” Having been in this position for a number of years I understand the temptation of the pastor to put personal feelings into the message that is delivered on Sunday morning. It is a precarious position, particularly, in the African American community where injustice and prejudice is a constant companion.

I have listened to the sermons of Pastor Wright and I understand how the media and white America can take them totally as an assault on the sanctity of the constitution. But even more as rhetoric that may be construed as un-American. The First Amendment of our Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

As a pastor and a black man I can understand what Rev. Wright was attempting to impart into the political discourse. He could have been a lot more diplomatic and lot less inflammatory. He could have used more biblical references, yes. Jesus was a revolutionary he fought against the status quo. He was seen as one who was disruptive to the church and to society at large. Rev. Wright’s comments have caused a controversy in the media; but let’s be real, how have these comments impacted the message of unity and the politics of inclusion of Senator Obama? I am the spiritual leader of a small congregation and I understand that sometimes my words can have a significant effect on the lives of some members. But they have a God given right for free will and they exercise it on a daily basis, in congregations all over America.

The fact is that for the last two hundred years there was no question as to who would be President of the United States; A white MAN. Today we find ourselves in a historic position where the nominee will be either a black man or a woman. But we are being distracted by statements from surrogates of the candidates, other than the statements of the candidates themselves. I believe Rev. Wright was exercising his right as citizen of our nation expounding his Freedom of Speech. He can make statements that we disagree with; and I am sure that many in his church disagree with, however, loyalty in the black church goes beyond a few off centered comments by the pastor; believe me I have lived out this scenario.

We need to return the focuses to what the candidates are stating are their plans for the future of our nation.