Obamas Hunt for an Easter Church
EmailABC News’ David Wright reports from Washington: Easter Sunday is coming up, one of the two times a year when churches tend to be full. So will the Obamas attend an Easter service this year? President Obama has not been to church since he took office — 11 Sundays! — despite telling ABC News he looked forward to getting to know the churches in the D.C. area. Plenty of pastors here in D.C. would love to have him in their flock. Last May, when he quit the Trinity United Church of Christ under less than happy circumstances, he said he’d probably pick a new church in January once he knew where he’d be living. Of course, then he was still trying to put to rest those nasty internet rumors questioning his faith. Granted, he’s been busy. Granted, he wouldn’t be the first President to forgo Sunday worship. (Reagan did so too, saying the security hooplah was too disruptive for local parishioners). But Obama is well aware of the holidays, hosting a White House seder tonight for the second night of Passover. So this Sunday of all Sundays, the pressure is on! Will the Obama family attend an Easter service? And if so, where? Today, the Washington Times newspaper reports that White House aides and friends of the Obama family have been quietly checking out a dozen or so churches in the DC area, essentially vetting the pastors and congregations and reporting back to the Obamas. This, according to "one White House source familiar with the search." The same source suggested to the Times that the President will attend an Easter service this Sunday, but has yet to make a final decision which church he’ll join.
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WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama declined to answer reporters’ questions on Thursday on a hostage crisis off the coast of Somalia, where a U.S. ship captain is being held captive by pirates.
Why no comment?
Posted by: Janet | April 9, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
I bet President Obama & First Lady Michelle do attend services over the internet. They seem to be fond of my Bishop and may be watching our Sunday services until they find a true church home. The Holy Spirit has been moving at The Potter’s House in Dallas, TX and they would be touched by the Holy Spirit as if they are right there in worship with us. At least that is what I hope for the wonderful family.
Posted by: springtime | April 9, 2009, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
Another day, another disgusting episode with the O. At a press conference, the O refuses to comment on the Somalia piracy. How stupid is this? what an outrage! How can he not comment on such an important issue? Hillary and Kerry have commented on it, why won’t he?
This is an outrage. American lives and safety are at stake. This man hates America, hates Americans, goes around Europe apologizing, calling us “arrogant”, saying that we are not Christian. How much more of this do we have to take? How many American lives does he have to put at risk?????
And you’re reporting on what church he chooses? Our security has been breached, and this is your important story?????
Posted by: decentAmerican | April 9, 2009, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
decentAmerican – You need to understand that our president is here to stay for the next four and possibly eight years. i think you are going through what many of us went through for the last 8 years and i don’t see how it could get any worse. as a matter of fact, given a chance i believe our president will make things much better. as far as that “Saudi” comment – I seem to remember W walking along holding hands with the Saudi leader numerous times – what was your comment then?
Posted by: Mary E | April 9, 2009, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
I don’t care what church Obama attends. I do care about taxation, a growing national debt, and a weak dollar. I thought Obama understood the economy, and McCain didn’t because he admitted he didn’t. That was my sole reason for voting Obama – the economy. And he’s marching us right toward bankruptcy. It’s frightening.
I’ve never regretted a vote as much as I regret this. I didn’t vote for Bush either time because I thought he was a swaggering, smirky cowboy. I was right.
This time I was wrong!!! It’s not a mistake I intend to repeat in 2012.
Posted by: Libby Anderson | April 9, 2009, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
Why bother, Obama? Let’s see you supplicantly bowed to Islamic potentate last week. Had a Seder yesterday. I guess “do the Easter thing” this week. And maybe a Hindi ceremony? Or a Buddahist temple? Why not cut out the photoop religiousity and do your worship (whatever that might be) in private? You know there is a historical term for a closet Muslim, a morisco. I’m not saying that Obama is one, but his bow was certainly intense and that whole Freudian slip in the campaign….
Posted by: Ed | April 9, 2009, 4:06 pm 4:06 pm
WHO CARES!!!!!
Posted by: mj | April 9, 2009, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
They will attend a service, but only if they can find one that allows for the murdering of children. Why are Liberals so mean?? They say that they are for the minorities?? The smallest minority is ……. the individual. Think the Libs care about the individuals right?
Happy Easter Mr. President! Maybe he can spend some time reading the Constitution? If he had values he would have a church to go to ……. he has none.
Posted by: JimOnTheRight | April 9, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
JimOnTheRight, I agree with you completely. It’s amazing how liberals can shower a baby with joy when they want it, and kill it in the womb when they don’t want it. These are the same people who are outraged when Sarah Palin shoots a wolf in Alaska. I know conservatives aren’t perfect, but dear God, the hypocrisy of the left is a sight to behold.
Posted by: Janet | April 9, 2009, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
Obama is taking his time finding a church because at heart, he’s a Muslim, not a Christian. That’s why he wouldn’t bow to Queen Elizabeth – Muslims have no respect for women. But he did bow to the Saudi king – a disgusting, sickening, humiliating and embarrassing sight. He’s a panderer of the lowest order. And he’s a liar. Does he think we’re so stupid we can’t recognize a bow when we see one? What an embarrasing excuse for a President.
Posted by: Another Sarah | April 9, 2009, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
I’m not quite sure what this all means but i think right now we have more important issues to deal with – some being SKY ROCKETING TAXATION, NATIONAL SECURITY, ILLEGAL ALIENS, A PRESIDENT THAT IS A USURPER, GITMO TERRORISTS RUNNING FREE. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY WHICH STANDS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH, LIBERTY, DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, CONSTITUTION, BILL OF RIGHTS, ETC. THAT IS WELL OVER 200 YRS, OLD AND YOU COME TO OUR COUNTRY AND ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT SOMETHING IT ISN’T. YOU WILL NOT LISTEN TO PROFESSIONAL ECONOMISTS THAT ADVISE YOU AND YOU WON’T LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE U.S.. THEN YOU WONDER WHY THE CITIZENS ARE NOT HAPPY. WOULD YOU BE HAPPY IF YOU WERE US. YOU HAVE MADE A FOOL OF ALL OF US IN EUROPE! I’ve known for a long time you don’t like us Americans…it shows in your rulings, speeches, and other ramblings. Don’t you think we can’t tell…you keep changing your mind about stuff. What happened to your campaign promise “I won’t raise your taxes one thin dime!” Our country is getting to be the laughing stock of the world and you’re not fooling them or us. WE do not want every facet of our lives to be controlled, whether by experienced or inexperienced, government. All of this is what makes America, or did until recently (last 3 months), a wonderful and unique place to live. GOD BLESS AMERICA. Please stop trying to change our country, America, into something it isn’t. WE DO NOT WANT MARXISM/COMMUNISM or whatever word it is that you use. I never knew there is so much EVIL IN THIS WORLD. AMEN.
Posted by: Linda | April 9, 2009, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm
stay at the white house and in vite a minister
Posted by: warren smith | April 9, 2009, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
Amen Warren
Posted by: Lou-NH | April 9, 2009, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
I read in the newspaper today the results of an Ipsos-McClatchy Poll that stated that Amercans are more optimistic about the economy now. Also, according to this poll, 63% of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling his job. COME ON NOW. Where did you go to get these 1,138 adults to survey? This is supposed to be a sampling of the way the majority of us feel? I DO NOT BELIEVE IT. The press and media (and polls) try to tell us Americans what we think as though we cannot think for ourselves.
Posted by: Cheryl | April 9, 2009, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Oh my goodness, Our President bowed to the Arab King. Saw the video. It was a full bow – not only a handshake as reported by some.
Obama certainly did not bow to the English Queen.
So, you can’t say he bows to all royalty. What was he thinking?
Is Obama going to really pick a Christian church and adhere to their doctrines? Will he sit in their pews and really listen to what they’re preaching? Stay tune -
Posted by: what's next? | April 9, 2009, 6:10 pm 6:10 pm
I wouldnt like him any less if he was a muslim i can only dislike someone so much . i hope he finds worship anywhere he likes.
Posted by: david reyes | April 9, 2009, 6:55 pm 6:55 pm
Okay.
Except he SAID he was NOT a Muslim.
What can he say now?: “Wait, I am a Muslim. I was just fooling. I forgot.”
Was he telling the truth in the beginning – or not?
That’s the bottom line.
I think he’s a true Christian; I don’t know and I really don’t care. (Okay; I’m lying; I do care. So sue me.)
Why did he bow to the Arab King and not the English Queen? Every little gesture will be looked at; he must know that much. It’s just curious, that’s all.
He can be anything he wants to be.
Just be consistent.
Also, we all must know where he stands because it will affect everyone eventually.
Posted by: what's next? | April 9, 2009, 8:32 pm 8:32 pm
why can’t Obama self-proclaimed “mentor” Rev.Wright simply visit the White House and give some sermons and “mentoring” to the Obamas? It would be cheaper and the Obamas are well-versed in Rev.Wright’s rhetoric and views since they listened to him for decades and he officiated at important family events. Rev.White could even stay in Lincoln’s bedroom!
Posted by: Al | April 9, 2009, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
To all Christian-Judeo people that voted for Obama… do you now agree also with his incredible remarks that the US was not founded with this faith in mind? What does our money has written in it? Where has this guy been all his life? Concerning the Islamic faith, yes, the US is not so much of concern. However, now that we have people from every nation in the world, we do respect their faiths no matter who or what it is. I wonder if the King of Saudi Arabia or whatever Muslim country if he comes here to America, will say something so outrageous about their religion as Mr. Obama said about his own country. It is just so plain stupid of him.
And no, I did not vote for him. You “do gooders” elected him.
Guess I just have to put up for the next 3 years and months with his absurdities!
Posted by: el pinoy | April 9, 2009, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
to mj-”who care” My answer is that Christians of 88% in Americans have observed Obama’s faith. Because Obama has never been one for ideological purity in his faith-Christian or Muslim
as he mentioned in interview with Arab
Media. Indubitably, Obama has not double minds, but four or five complicate minds which have different ideological mind or act during campaign and after President, domestic in America and in Overseas, Christian countries and Muslim, between socialism and liberalism, Africa-American and White communities. More issues should be added to below, anti-Christian, pro-Muslim, lack of National security, his personal patriotism, socialism, liberalism and economic policy that Obama for 70 days has created a lot of being so confused for 70 days. I NEVER EVER HAVE THE SUCH AMERICAN PRESIDENT WHO IS SURROUNDED WITH FULL OF CONFUSION, COCKAMAMIE AND DOUBLE MINDS IN MY LIFE. I do believe that former President Bush had had so clear ideological purities for the above issues whether you hated or loved it.
Posted by: DNC must be changed | April 9, 2009, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
Anybody have any idea what the Muslim celebration for this time of year is? Perhaps Mr. Obama will celebrate that.
Posted by: Terry | April 10, 2009, 12:10 am 12:10 am
Pictures Don’t Lie. Obama Did Not Bow To The Christian Queen Of England. Obama Did Bow Down Low To The Muslim King Of Saudia Araba. Obama has been in a Mosq since becomming president, but he hasn’t attended a Christian Church…..Watch what Obama does, compared to what he says. Your eyes don’t Lie!
Posted by: from Ohio | April 10, 2009, 1:00 am 1:00 am
Obama is a Trojan Horse.
Posted by: figureditout | April 10, 2009, 1:01 am 1:01 am
By his own account, Mr. Obama was raised as a Muslim in Indonesia, the most Muslim nation in the world until the age of 10 when he was shipped off to Hawaii to live with his grandmother. What is the age of reason (or discretion)? Traditionally it has been as young as 7. Mr. Obama himself has spoken with nostalgia of the beauty of the call to prayer in the world of Islam. What will be the manifestations of this upbringing in his acts as president? Time will tell…
Posted by: Terry | April 10, 2009, 1:45 am 1:45 am
By his own account, Mr. Obama joined the Christian church of Mr. Wright in a desire to get politically connected. He certainly accomplished that. Where is the evidence that he renounced he earlier belief in Islam for the Christian Faith (yes the two are incompatible)?
Posted by: Terry | April 10, 2009, 1:52 am 1:52 am
The First Family’s religious beliefs and practice is and should remain private. People who say he is Muslim or not religious or whatever should stop. IF they go, it is THEIR choice and no one else. He has enough on his plate than to worry about what church he goes to. Considering how busy he is with the economy, pirates, Middle East, Korea, etc, I would not be surprised if they watch on TV.
Posted by: kay | April 10, 2009, 8:30 am 8:30 am
A convicted murderer has been sentenced to death,he really deserves to die,society has judged him and has found him quilty he has taken another’s life he has sinned,broken one of the ten commandments THOU SHALT NOT KILL,he is given the death penalty,death by leathal injection,does he suffer?no it is over in just a few minutes,A man from Nazareth was arrested,tried and convicted for teaching the gospel;A man who gave life back to others,who healed the blind,sick and lame,A man who was sinless,Death by crucifixtion was his sentence.Made to carry his own cross through the heart of town,wearing a sharp thorned crown upon his head while other’s spat on him,being beaten with a whip every step of the way he took to Calvary Hill,his hands and feet nailed to the cross peirced in his side with a sharp sword,he hung in the scroching sun for hrs,His death carried out by society;not because he hated anyone but because he loved and still does love everyone;OUR PRECIOUS LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!
Posted by: shannonstoops | April 10, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am
who cares what this idiot does ,He needs no church wants people to worship him
Posted by: Joeray | April 10, 2009, 10:30 am 10:30 am
some of the comments in this blog sound exactly like the commentators from Fox and Friends, the right to all it gives.
People, get a life. Obama is the president of the United States but he is also a regular guy. He can worship in the four walls of his bedroom for all we care. He leaves the Somali incident to the people entrusted to do that job, which in this case is Hillary Clinton, but, just like the case in any company, when its time to give face, its his face that confronts the good and the bad guys. I dont care where he worships, if he is a muslem, if he bowed to the arabs or if he has a stomach ache. I care that my husband was laid off, he needs to find a job, my paycheck is not enough, grocery prices are up, gas is up. THAT IS MY concern.
Posted by: Rose | April 10, 2009, 1:04 pm 1:04 pm
His ‘search team’ ought to check out a tiny little Church on a back street, or maybe a store front church where the Truth is preached and lived by Preacher and congregation, and stop looking for a “politically correct” building to go in to on Resurrection Sunday.Most likey if the first family does go to a church Sunday they won’t hear the truth anyhow. That’s how it is in somewhere MEGA-sized in America anymore. Just look @ what Rick Warren has done! Forget the wide road- take the straight and narrow way. It’s less traveled but it will get one HOME! The 100-day prayer thing for the President has not one time that I know of, put out a prayer for this man and his family to get SAVED. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again…”
Posted by: yavon | April 10, 2009, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
We cannot expect a President who tells the world “We are not a Christian Nation” to promote Christianity by attending a Christian church. This president is ashamed of Christianity and of our great nation. The Rock Star is just back from his “Apologize for being American Tour”. Is this really who we want to lead us? Where is he going to lead us? Straight to hell, that’s where.
Posted by: Linda | April 10, 2009, 1:07 pm 1:07 pm
AND WHY IS OUR SECRETARY OF STATE LAUGHING AS SHE SPEAKS OF THE HOSTAGE SITUATION OF THE SOMALI PIRATES?????????????????????????????? I heard a reporter yesterday say “This is like a reality show we didn’t want to see”…REALLY?????? A REALITY SHOW???? IDIOTS…WE ARE SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS…AMATEUR IDIOTS TO BOOT!
Posted by: Linda | April 10, 2009, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
Perhaps he can find a politically current Fascist Church in Washington that needs a bailout.
Posted by: Phil D'Angelo | April 10, 2009, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
Another Sarah- US citizens do not have to and do not as a practice bow to the Queen of England because we sort of threw them out of this country and no longer show deference to the monarchy. Nothing to do with Muslim, etc.
Posted by: kay | April 10, 2009, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
justthefact – you really have fallen for the right-wing nut propoganda and the talking heads – Billo, Back, Hannity, and ole’ Rush. And just to set you straight, I am a post-secondary instructor and in pursuit of my educational doctorate degree. I am an excellent instructor who gives my all to my students and they to me in return. I TEACH because it is teaching is embedded in my heart and in my soul. I TEACH because I am very good at what I do. I TEACH because I CAN!!!!! If you have accomplished in your lifetime, what President Obama has, then you have a leg to stand on. Until then, take your broken right-wing propoganda and stick it where the sun don’t shine.
Posted by: sandy | April 10, 2009, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Obama soaks Churches and Private Charities.
Obama’s comment that his reduced charitable deduction would only impact one or two percent of the nation misses the point that it is these people who make almost half of the donating.
In 2006, the most recent year for which data is available, four million taxpayers had adjusted gross incomes of $200,000 or more. They comprised 3% of the tax returns, made 31% of the income, but donated 44% of all charitable contributions. Together, they provided charity with $81 billion in that year.
Obama’s plan will cost them $10 billion in extra taxes on the income they allocated to charitable donations.
Churches will be hit hardest. They account for the largest share of charitable donations, but universities, disease research, hospitals, soup kitchens, and cultural institutions will also be hard hit. So will international relief efforts that funnel aid abroad through churches or directly.
Don’t people see how policies such as these negatively affect the poor significantly?
When will enough people stop thinking emotionally about Obama and see him for who he is, not who they want him to be?
Posted by: Constantine XIII | April 11, 2009, 1:35 am 1:35 am
Constantine – Good post. Obama is expanding his leftist agenda by disallowing tax breaks for charities, which discourages survival of religious institutions.
Obama has proven once again that by trying to be a man for everyone, he is actually a man for no one. He has absolutely no morals, no integrity, and no backbone.
Posted by: Winston | April 11, 2009, 2:57 am 2:57 am
I think they’d better attend church Sunday and had better find a permanent church soon and start attending regularly if he wants to be re-elected!I didn’t vote for him anyway but I think most people are like me. I won’t vote for someone who is not a Christian and who doesn’t read the Bible and attend church!
Posted by: DM | April 11, 2009, 7:52 am 7:52 am
Why is there no realy confidance to President of USA,Mr. B.Obama???? We,from
Zagreb, in Croatia,Europe prefere Him,
just our love and the best wishes to
Him,HURRAH!!!!
Posted by: Vesna Jelavić M.D. | April 11, 2009, 11:04 am 11:04 am
My hope and prayer is that the Obamas find a community of true believers to worship with and that they have a true salvation experience. I know I may offend some, but I do not readily accept that one can be both a Christian and a Democrat because of the abortion issue.
Posted by: Ed Taylor | April 11, 2009, 3:24 pm 3:24 pm
That´s okay, Ed Taylor. I do not readily accept that one can be both a Christian and a Republican because of, well, so many issues.
Posted by: BachisBest | April 11, 2009, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
A true Christian would not miss Church for 11 weeks–Obama is a Christian in name only–for political and social convenience! Why bother with the pretense, he’s now POTUS and therefore there’s no reason for him to find a church other than to get his face in the news once again! What a hypocrit he is!!!!
Posted by: SSS | April 11, 2009, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm
The good book says “He who is without sin cast the first stone” Many stones have been cast on president Obama on this site..you hypocrits!..leave president Obama alone..you white wash sepulchres..You are nothing but Republican hypocrits. When George Bush walked hand in hand with the Saudi king what did you say then..you Republican hypocrits. Your great president Bush left office with this country in deep debt and two wars..what did you say then! You hypocrits! Leave the president alone to do the job he was elected to do! Republican hypocrits!
Posted by: Stanley | April 12, 2009, 10:15 am 10:15 am