White House: First Couple Still Looking for Church

Christian Post ^ | 2/05/09

[Libloather]

White House: First Couple Still Looking for Church
By The Associated Press
Thu, Feb. 05 2009 05:30 PM EST

WASHINGTON – The White House says Michelle and Barack Obama have visited several churches and will see a few more, but haven't decided on a place to worship.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the first couple visited a couple of churches around the time of his inauguration. Gibbs said they would like to visit some more and "figure out a congregation in the area that they can worship at."

Gibbs said the president likely misses not having a regular place of worship. In light of economic woes, Gibbs added that Obama probably prays, even if it isn't in a church.

Obama was a longtime member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He resigned from the church and cut ties with its pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

[Libloather]

Barack Obama's membership in the UCC

A controversy arose over Obama speaking at UCC gatherings, but the IRS found that the UCC had adhered to the prohibition against churches campaigning for political candidates.

In 2007, US Presidential candidate and longtime UCC member Barack Obama spoke at the UCC's Iowa Conference meeting and at the General Synod 26.[37] A complaint filed with the Internal Revenue Service alleged that the UCC promoted Obama's candidacy by having him speak at those meetings.[38]

Barry Lynn, an ordained UCC minister and the executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, stated that although he personally would not have invited a Presidential candidate to speak at the meetings, he believed "the Internal Revenue Service permits this to happen."[39] The church had consulted with lawyers prior to the event to make sure they were following the law and had instructed those in attendance that no Obama campaign material would be allowed in the meeting. Nevertheless, in February 2008, the IRS sent a letter to the church stating that it was launching an inquiry into the matter.[40]

On February 27, 2008, in an open letter to UCC members, Rev. John Thomas announced the creation of The UCC Legal Fund, to aid in the denomination's defense against the IRS.[41] While the denomination expects legal expenses to surpass six figures, it halted donations after raising $59,564 in less than a week.

In May 2008, the IRS issued a letter which states that the UCC had taken appropriate steps and that the denomination's tax status was not in jeopardy. [42]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_Christ

[NinoFan]

Understandable. Churches are so uncommon in this country. </ sarc>

[Warriormom]

I bet all the churches they’ve looked at are a little too “Christian” for them.

[Bobalu]

[exist]

I’m sure they can find a mosque that’s radical enough.

[TribalPrincess2U]

What no mosque near by?

[Sacajaweau]

Another big decision!! Oh man.....

[big'ol_freeper]

Hey, its hard to find a local congregation of the Church of Satan that satisfies their needs.

[TribalPrincess2U]

You are faster on the keys then I.

[Mr_Moonlight]

Gibbs added that Obama probably prays

probably prays ??? Searching for a church ???

I was listening to Michael Medved's radio show last night and he said that Gibbs probably won't last more than a month or two as Obama's press secretary

[FrdmLvr]

They’ve probably never actually been to a real church. The day after the coronation when they had to attend services at the National Cathedral was probably the first time they’d ever set foot in a church.

[ex-snook]

Wonder if he tried the Catholic Church yet.

[joejm65]

‘Understandable. Churches are so uncommon in this country. </ sarc>’

Well, a church with a weight room might be a bit hard to find... :-)

[mowowie]

No Whitie hating churches in DC?

[appleseed]

Surely there's a Muslim Mosque or black theology preaching hate-monger within driving distance that isn't under FBI surveillance.

Good article!

[livius]

ROFLOL.

[TribalPrincess2U]

Have you noticed how Haggard and older he looks these days.

I doubt he has the stamina to continue being an agitator in chief.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Here ya' go, Zero.

[frogjerk]

What exactly is this a picture of? I’d love to know!

[TribalPrincess2U]

Haggard = haggard