Reaction to Obama quitting Trinity United Church of Christ.

WASHINGTON–Reaction to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) quitting Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago:

Statement from Trinity:

“Though we are saddened by the news, we understand that this is a personal

decision. We will continue to lift them in prayer, and wish them the best as

former members of our Trinity community.

“As in the prayer of the Ephesians, the entire Trinity family asks that the

nation entrust Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha to God’s care and

guidance, so that Christ may continue to dwell in their lives, in their

hearts, and in their work. We ask now for God’s peace to be with them.”

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The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, a practicing Baptist minister and President of the Interfaith Alliance, issued the following statement upon the news that presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama resigned his nearly two decade membership at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago:

“No candidate for the presidency should ever have to resign from or join a particular house of worship in order to be a viable candidate for that high office. To make such a decision for political reasons dishonors religion and disrespects the constitution. This is a sad day in American politics and even sadder in American religion. Senator Obama is at the center of the storm, but all who wed religion to partisan politics share responsibility for this tragic development.”

The Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, the Interfaith Alliance has 185,000 members across the country from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.