While perhaps not surprising, it is nonetheless sad that Barack Obama has decided to remove himself from the roll of membership of Trinity UCC, Chicago. Pastor Dan has a good discussion of the two abyss' that were beneath either side of the razor's edge upon which any pastor of Trinity would face. He also offers good pastoral advice, not just for someone who's church has a Presidential candidate among its membership. In the end, however, I for one cannot feel anything but saddened by the fact that Obama - who benefited from the ministries of Trinity Church - has decided to dissociate from it because the message of some of those who have stood in its pulpit has created a storm on the right.
Far better, perhaps, for Sen. Obama to tell those who refuse to get it that where he goes to church is his own damn business. Far better to tell people what attracted him to Trinity, and kept him there all these years, than to say in the face of the screeching hordes who refuse to hear what has been said, "You know, you're right." The critics aren't right, and will never be right. It's that simple.
The critics have created a caricature of Trinity Church, its long-time pastoral leader, its theology and missional impulses, its members, and its guest preachers. This caricature, based in a combination of ignorance and political opportunism (with a smattering of prejudice just to season things correctly), has won out over the far more complex reality that is the life and ministry of this faith community. Barack Obama has allowed the forces of darkness to overtake what was an opportunity to speak out for the independence of our religious beliefs from our politics, as well as for the prophetic message and ministry of some parts of the African-American church.
I think the only winners in this are the ignorant haters who refuse to understand the voices from Trinity for what they are. Too bad for all of us.
Virtual Tin Cup
