10,000 flock to church to hear Obama speak

[TeamJordan23]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-070623obama-religion,1,1721448.story?coll=chi-news-hed

10,000 flock to church to hear Obama speak
By Manya Brachear
Tribune religion reporter
Published June 23, 2007, 8:36 PM CDT


HARTFORD, Conn. -- They came to hear a prophet. Some believe they did. Others heard just another politician.

More than 10,000 members of the United Church of Christ rose to their feet in a hockey arena here on Saturday to applaud one of their own who happens to be a Democratic presidential candidate--Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

Weaving biblical imagery with political promises, Obama, a member of Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side, encouraged those in the audience to follow their consciences and fight for a better America.

"Doing the Lord's work is a thread that's run through our politics since the very beginning," Obama told church members. "And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America--a principle we all must uphold and that I have embraced as a constitutional lawyer and most importantly as a Christian--means faith should have no role in public life."

[snowbear]

1. I just saw that on the news... YOW, ten thousand at a hockey rink...

He's still pulling in the crowds! ~~

~ ~ ~ ~

The Frontrunners

[Critters2]

4. I was a part of that crowd, and it needs a little clarification

We weren't there just to hear Obama (though he was a draw for some). This was the biannual national meeting of the United Church of Christ. About half the crowd were voting delegates who were there to conduct business. Others were there for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the merger that formed the denomination. Obama's speech was part of that celebration (other speakers in attendance included Barney Frank, Leonard Pitts, Lynn Redgrave and a bunch of theologians). During Obama's speech, unlike the others, no other business was happening--no committee hearings or sponsored luncheons--and the exhibition hall (where I spent a lot of time. I was staffing a booth) was closed. There were only two places to be during Obama's speech: at his speech or in your hotel room.

Still, many visitors--those with no official reason to attend--went specifically to hear Obama. And he was well-received. It helps that he's a member of our denomination. His home church--Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago--is our largest congregation. He is well-loved by a good many UCCs. Many of us would like to see how things go with a UCC member in the White House.

So, he was a draw, but it was also kind of a captive audience. And he stayed away from politics pretty much. Talked about his faith life mostly. Most of what he said I'd read in one or both of his books.

He's a fine orator, though!

[illinoisprogressive]

2. 10,000? That guy sure draws them in

[DemBones DemBones]

3. Call the IRS on that church! nt

[Imagevision]

5. Excellant, hope the numbers continue to grow,

[rockymountaindem]

6. Rockymountaindem: "Oh God, these bad puns have got to end"

Seriously, people *flock* to church to see Obama? The media is replete with these things. Now, I love a good pun as much as anybody, but some of these are soooo bad they're an insult to readers.