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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008

Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s Macon visit draws protests

As people headed inside St. Paul AME Church in east Macon to hear controversial the Rev. Jeremiah Wright deliver a revival sermon Monday, a band of nearly 20 people, led by a local radio talk show host, protested the visit.

Wright silently entered the sanctuary during a choir anthem along with other ministers.

He knelt at the altar to pray while the choir finished singing.

Outside of the church, protestors shouted, “Not G.D. America, God Bless America” and “Jeremiah Wright is wrong.”

They tried to warn people going to hear the sermon that Wright preaches hate, not love.

Wright, speaking to about 350 people, delivered a traditional revival sermon based on the story of Jesus healing a blind beggar on his way to Jericho.

It should come as no surprise that Wright also expressed opinions about politics and current events.

Shouting into the microphone, Wright criticized President George W. Bush, the United States’ declaration of war against Iraq and the media.

“American boys and girls are still dying,” Wright said.

He questioned why the military hasn’t been able to find Osama Bin Laden and the truthfulness of the media and government regarding the war.

“Wake up and smell the oil,” he said.

Wright, a Chicago minister, was President-elect Barack Obama’s preacher before snippets of some of his sermons — including one where he says “God Damn America” for its treatment of black people — became an Internet and national news media sensation.

“He’s harvesting souls for hate. Hate is not of the Lord,” 940-AM morning talk show host Chris Krok shouted through a bullhorn.

On his program, Krok has blasted Wright for some of the preacher’s remarks, which came to light during the past presidential campaign.

Between Wright’s visit and Krok’s protest, there was a heavy police presence outside the church.

At one point there were at least 10 official vehicles there, including police, sheriffs and emergency management agency cars. Macon police officers kept watch over the protest, which was peaceful.

Many of the attendees inside the church were members, but there were several visitors who were drawn by a desire to hear Wright speak.

Mayor Robert Reichert and city councilmembers Larry Schlesinger and Elaine Lucas sat in a group near the front.

Harold C. Johnson said he wanted to experience the inspiration Wright has provided for Obama and Reichert.

“(I wanted) to hear a dynamite sermon by Rev. Wright,” said Johnson, seated near the back of the sanctuary. “I want to take some of that back with me.”

Janis Horne, a Macon woman who was the first to arrive for Krok’s protest, said she “felt good” about the event.

“We did it because we are Christians,” she said. “And Christians have stood down too long. ... I was hoping for hundreds.”

To contact writer Travis Fain, call 744-4213.

To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.