We are starting to learn why Oprah Winfrey left Trinity United Church of Christ. Although earlier this year Oprah enthusiastically endorsed Obama and campaigned for him in several states, little has been heard from her lately about B.H. Obama.
The Church of Oprah is followed by 23 million people each week in the United States. Little wonder then that Pastor Oprah would quickly distance herself from small fry like the Reverend Jeremiah Wright. She stuck with Trinity United for several years as a member (1984-86) and continued to attend off and on until the mid 1990's but she was put off by the rantings of Rev. Wright. Oprah is the quintessential businesswoman and she came to the realization that her association with Jeremiah Wright would not set well with her mainstream audience (flock).
According to the forthcoming issue of Newsweek (5/12/08) which quotes a long time friend of Winfrey we learn, "Oprah is a businesswoman, first and foremost...She's always been aware that her audience is very mainstream, and doing anything to offend them just wouldn't be smart. She's been around black churches all her life, so Reverend Wright's anger-filled message didn't surprise her. But it just wasn't what she was looking for in a church."
The Newsweek story also quotes a long time Winfrey associate who says
Winfrey spoke of her fatigue with organized religion and a desire to be involved with a more inclusive ministry.
In time, she found one: her own. "There is the Church of Oprah now," said her longtime friend, with a laugh. "She has her own following."
Tags: oprah winfrey,jeremiah wright,barack obama,church of oprah,black churches,
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