April 16, 2008 Dialogue on Race and Religion

Five panelist and two moderators began the dialogue on April 16.	The panel included clergy and lay persons from the United Church of Christ.	Lively dialogue continued after the formal program.

Concerned persons from throughout the New York Metropolitan Area gathered at the Congregational Church of Manhasset on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 to begin a dialogue on race and religion. This gathering was prompted by the media attention given to Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Trinity United Church of Christ.

On April 3, 2008, Metro Board President Rev. Dr. Ruby Wilson and Southeastern Regional Conference Minister Michael Caine wrote Rev. Wright and the current pastor at Trinity UCC, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. The letter conveyed the deep concern, abiding support, faithful solidarity, encouragement and love of the UCC brothers and sisters in the New York Conference.

Rev. Wright responded on April 11, 2008 to express his thanks for the support, for the affirmation of ministry, for standing with Trinity in the media storm and for the prayers.

Both the April 16 panel and persons in the audient put into Biblical and historical context the “sound bytes” from Rev. Wright's sermons. They also shared their own stories where tensions have arisen based on race and cultural identity.