Wright cancels planned Columbus revivals

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the former pastor of Illinois senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama canceled scheduled revival rallies planned for a Columbus church this coming week.

The controversial preacher was to have arrived in Columbus on Sunday, and was set to appear at St. John AME Church for four evening revival rallies, starting Monday.

"Due to the current environment and a grueling travel schedule over the past weeks, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.'s public schedule is under review and has been placed on hold until further notice."

"Rev. Jeremiah Wright has made the decision to spend personal time with himself and his family," according to a statement released on Friday.

Wright has preached annually at St. John for the past several years, and church officials said the planned revivals were unconnected to the recent controversy over Wright's statements.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright set for Macon revival

President-elect Barack Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is expected to preach at a Macon revival this coming week.

Wright will preach Monday through Wednesday at St. Paul AME Church. It will be his second visit to the Georgia city. Wright also spoke at St. Paul last year.

The Chicago minister drew headlines in the presidential campaign for remarks on racial injustice, conduct of the American government and U.S. foreign policy.

Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ during the campaign after inflammatory comments by Wright from the pulpit became a campaign issue.

St. Paul's pastor, the Rev. Ronald Slaughter, defends Wright, pointing to his longtime community activism.
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Information from: The Macon Telegraph,
http://www.macontelegraph.com

(AP)

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