The District Chronicles

Issue date: 12/21/08 Section: Cover

President-elect Barack Obama says the historically Black church moved him from a skeptic to a believer. He has spoken appreciatively of its vibrant worship and written about how the Black church experience has moved him to tears. He has credited Black congregations for their work in helping the powerless and in speaking truth to power.

But when he officially takes up residence in the White House, will the nation's first Black president attend a Black church? And, in a larger sense, does it matter if he does or doesn't?

It'll be a great thing for Black communities to see Obama choose a Black church,² said William E. Kelly, pastor at Trinity AME Zion Church, 3505 16th St, NW.  ³Any Black church in this city would welcome the Obamas. I think it enhances the visibility of the Black church.²

The District has many Black churches from which to choose, including Shiloh Baptist Church, Covenant Baptist Church, and Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, the historic, predominantly Black congregation six blocks from the White House.

Michelle and her mother have roots in the AME Church and Metropolitan AME member Larry Drayton is positive Obama will choose a Black church, not only for his experience but for that of his children.

He doesn¹t have to assimilate in a White church just because he is the president, said Drayton. ³His family, particularly his children, should be exposed to the Black Christian experience.

Metropolitan AME has not extended an invitation to the President-elect, but Pastor Ronald E. Braxton said the council of bishops offered a list of churches to invite Obama to attend. Metropolitan AME was at the top of the list.

Cornelius Wheeler, pastor at Vermont Ave. Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Ave., NW, says Obama¹s church selection should be a personal decision. It's akin to marriage of the individual to the kingdom of God and nobody should second guess what works for him.

Reba Cleveland, also a member of Metropolitan AME, agrees. As long as he worships and believes in God, it shouldn't matter, she said. I hope he will be guided by the Holy Spirit in all his decisions.

William E. Kelly, pastor at Trinity AME Zion Church at 3505 16th St, NW, thinks it's important for Obama, his family and the community that he embraces the churches in the Black community.

For Obama to choose a Black church, it makes a real statement about his faith, tradition and his understanding and belief in the struggle that the Black church has been a part of, Rev. Kelly said. I think doing that would be a continuation of his message that the Black church represents struggle, hope, and liberation.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools