Obama's pastor called 'radical'

National Catholic Reporter, March 23, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Barack Obama says he has been deeply influenced by his church, Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago's South Side, and its senior pastor, Jeremiah Wright. But that connection is now generating political controversy for Obama's presidential campaign.

Conservative bloggers and pundits have raised concerns about Wright's Afrocentric theology and his liberal--some say radical--politics. Wright has been an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq and a strong supporter of the Palestinians.

Some campaign advisers are reportedly urging Obama to distance himself from Wright. Obama asked Wright not to offer a public prayer at the Feb. 10 rally when he announced his run for the presidency. Wright attended and prayed privately with the candidate and his family.

The pastor said he warned Obama at the beginning of his career that their relationship could have negative ramifications: "They're going to associate your name with mine, [and] that could be detrimental."