Chicago, Ill., Mar 31, 2008 / 16:26 pm
Senator Barack Obama’s controversial former spiritual adviser, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, made a surprise appearance at a Catholic church on the South Side of Chicago on Friday night. During the visit, the pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church praised Wright and asked him to deliver a blessing for the church’s lecture series, CBS2 Chicago reports.
Wright, who was Senator Obama’s mentor for twenty years, became the center of controversy after clips of his sermons condemning America were posted on the internet.
Senator Obama, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the presidency, has distanced himself from Wright’s remarks. Wright’s visit to St. Sabina’s was reportedly his first public appearance since the controversy over his remarks began.
According to CBS2 newscaster Diann Burns, the crowd at St. Sabina parish, though surprised by Wright’s appearance, was “quick to show their support.”
The church’s pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, publicly welcomed Wright to the event. “We love you. We praise God for you,” the priest said to Wright. In later interviews with the press, the priest defended Wright from criticism.