Churchgoers not mad at Obama

Churchgoers at Trinity United Church of Christ didn't begrudge their most famous member -- Sen. Barack Obama -- for choosing to leave the church.

While many were stung by the recent attention on the church following controversial statements made there by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and St. Sabina's Rev. Michael Pfleger, most members refused to speak to reporters Saturday.

But those willing to share their views said Obama's departure wasn't surprising.

"It's politics,'' said Herbert Brooks, 84. "He's trying to do what he thinks is right to win an election. It doesn't bother me.''

Brooks attended the sermon at Trinity last week when Pfleger mocked Sen. Hillary Clinton. Brooks said Pfleger should have been tailoring his remarks about race to a white audience and not trying to appeal to the mostly black crowd.

However, he said: "Preachers will preach what they want to preach. They get carried away.''

Occasional churchgoer Keith Kemp said Obama had to make a "painful'' choice.

"He's running for the highest office in the land,'' Kemp said. "He has to make that unfortunate decision to separate from his spiritual mentor.'' Kemp said if he were in Obama's position, he wouldn't have left the church, but that he still respects Obama for doing so.

A young Trinity member, Amber Lambert, 14, asserted Obama was right to leave to avoid being tarnished as racist.

"Pastor Wright said some prejudiced stuff,'' said Lambert. Obama "is trying to follow his dream.''

Dave Newbart