Obama, race, and what pastors say

   I hope, hope, hope that Americans either watch or read the speech Obama gave today about Jeremiah Wright, his relationship with his pastor and, more importantly, race in America. When is the last time we heard a politician speak with such nuance about race in this country? When is the last time we heard a politician speak so honestly about the complicated relationships we all have with people in their lives?

  Of course, as a pastor, I am bemused by how much press some singular remarks from the pulpit have gotten. When is the last time any words from the puplit came under such national scrutiny? How many white pulpits have been held up to the same light?  I don't know how anyone could argue there isn't a double standard at work here. Obama rightly points out that he has a complex and long-standing relationship with Rev. Wright, one of deep respect mixed with honest disagreement. Has anyone examined, say, the remarks of McCain's military buddies, and held him accountable for them?

  More importantly, though, Obama has articulated the truth about racism in its power to wound both white and black folk in this country. I am so grateful to hear such things said from a national platform. Andrew Sullivan's remarks sum it up:

And it was a reflection of faith - deep, hopeful, transcending faith in the promises of the Gospels. And it was about America - its unique promise, its historic purpose, and our duty to take up the burden to perfect this union - today, in our time, in our way.