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Briefly noted: UCC supports Jeremiah Wright, etc.

In a unanimous voice vote, the 90-member Executive Council of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution April 14 supporting Trinity UCC in Chicago and its recently retired senior minister Jeremiah Wright, whose videotaped, politically charged comments stirred sustained criticism of the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama, a longtime member of the congregation.

McCain's faith, pastor hard to pigeonhole: Episcopalian and Baptist

John McCain has a deep and personal Christian commitment despite his reluctance to speak publicly about it, according to the man that the Arizona senator and presumed GOP presidential nominee claims as his pastor.

Dan Yeary, pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church, described the senator and his wife, Cindy, as “very unobtrusive” people who don’t seek special attention when they are able to come to worship. “They come in the side door. They’re very pleasant. They talk to people. They’re very approachable.”

Obama’s ex-pastor speaks out, defends black church: “A sideshow, and an unfortunate one”

After weeks of public silence, Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. defended the black church and his preaching in a series of appearances, leading political analysts again to ponder Wright’s effect on the presidential campaign of Illinois senator Barack Obama.

Wright, Obama’s longtime (now retired) pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, said at the National Press Club in Washington April 28 that he was “crucified” by the media for his fiery remarks.