Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Former Obama Pastor in Church Power Battle

Refusing to relinquish leadership

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2008 2:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama's former Chicago church is in turmoil over a battle to retain power by firebrand preacher Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Time reports. A rift has opened between Wright, who was supposed to retire from the church he nurtured for 36 years, and his hand-picked successor, whose qualifications he's now questioning.

The feud has baffled congregants at the church where Barack and Michelle Obama were members for 20 years. Obama denounced Wright earlier this year over his racially charged remarks and the couple officially quit the church after a visiting minister mocked Hillary Clinton from the Trinity pulpit.

Otis Moss III had been expected to become pastor of Trinity church following the retirement of Jeremiah Wright. Now a rift has erupted between the two men.
Otis Moss III had been expected to become pastor of Trinity church following the retirement of Jeremiah Wright. Now a rift has erupted between the two men.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)
Barack Obama poses with his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Barack Obama poses with his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.   (AP Photo/Trinity United Church of Christ, File)
Rev. Jeremiah Wright former pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Time Magazine reports he is trying to hold on to the reins at Trinity.
Rev. Jeremiah Wright former pastor of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Time Magazine reports he is trying to hold on to the reins at Trinity.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Obama's Unique Road to Faith

Wright Is a Wife-Snatcher: Ex-Parishioner

Church Builds Wright $1M Home in Pricey Chicago 'Burb

Wright Received Death Threats

Rev. Wright Slams 'Devious' Media Coverage


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne