Back to Article
 
 

Obama Meets With Religious Leaders to Discuss Issues
  2008-06-13
 

By Em Fergusson

This past Tuesday, Barack Obama met with religious leaders to discuss views and issues relating to everything from the war in Iraq to political issues. The Associated Press reported Bishop T.D. Jakes attended the meeting and told the AP some of the attendees clearly had differences with Obama. Although Jakes says he does not endorse candidates, the AP commented some conservatives have been openly critical of Jakes support towards Obama.

Some concerns for attendees surround Obama's support for abortion rights and gay rights. The exchange between the Democratic political candidate and the leaders, according to Obama's campaign director, was to come together in prayer and discuss important issues. The director stated more meetings of this caliber will occur in the near future.

The meeting was held privately at a law firm to allow the attendees an opportunity to air their views. Some of the attendees included Billy Graham's son, now the head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Rev. Stephen Thurston, head of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., and Bishop Philip Robert Cousin Sr., who serves as an AME clergyman and former NAACP board member. Attendees were given the opportunity to air their differences on everything and anything. Some of the attendees included Obama supporters, according to CNN news.

The Chicago-Sun reported that Obama invited mainline Catholic, Protestant and evangelical leaders to help shape conversations, as he heads to the general election. Obama's campaign director explained the meetings were held in private so that attendees would feel comfortable discussing issues.

At one point during the meeting, Obama's ex-pastor Jeremiah Wright was mentioned. Earlier this year, Obama resigned from Trinity United Church where Wright holds the office of pastor. The AP reported some of the issues raised included abortion, religious freedom and how things may improve in America. Attendees have agreed, according to the AP, not to provide specifics on Obama's responses to issues raised.