Hillary's Church Defends Dr. Wright

Foundry United Methodist Church was cited on numerous occasions as a steady presence during the Clinton's time in the White House. And in January 2001, Bill Clinton gave a farewell speech to the congregation, thanking the church for its work in the city as well as for its "courage" to welcome gay and lesbian Christians.

The pastor of Foundry, Rev. Dean J. Snyder, appeared on MSNBC and defended Wright. Snyder said that while he may not agree with everything Wright has said, he believes that "the church in America is stronger today because of [Wright's] leadership."

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream.
To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear.
Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth.

Dean J. Snyder, Senior Minister
Foundry United Methodist Church

Some of the finest people I know are Trinity Church members. I've been concerned about them. Their church has been called a cult, a den of hate-mongers and worse. Nothing is farther from the truth. Reporters have camped outside and invade that church with little respect for the people or the work that goes on there.
On Easter Sunday, we were glad to see one of the Trinity ministorial students who had interned at our church. Although this trial has to be a strain, she was upbeat and anything but discouraged. She thanked University Church for our support, and assured us they are OK.

When are we going to stop this silliness? Is it that hard to look at the truth about race in this country? Is America that scared of beginning to dialogue? White candidate, Black candidate, Dem or GOP, they should all want that if they love this country. Hillary Clinton and John McCain should have found it more important to join Obama in challenging America instead of using Wright to feed American fears.

Hillary and Bill Clinton should be ashamed. Both are bible readers, church goers and students of history. They have both been to plenty of black churches and know that far more than biblical verses come from those pulpits. They know the civil rights movement was born amid venting and preaching about social ills and inspirational sermons about self determination. They know full well that being pro black is not being anti white. Yes, they both know about Rev. Wright and Trinity. They know his work and what he stands for. They know full well that the Rev. DR. Jeremiah Wright is not a racist, anymore than Bill needs a hymnal in a black church on Sunday mornings. He knows all the words.