The letter from Church of the Beatitudes President, Lou Jennings is below. To read the letter from United Church of Christ General Minister and President, Rev. John Thomas, click here.

Dear Church of Beatitudes Friends,

In recent weeks, as you may be aware, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago , Illinois has been under scrutiny. Particular portions of sermons have been aired which have been called "divisive," "racially charged" and "views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation."   

Trinity United Church of Christ, like all United Church of Christ congregations, is part of a congregationally structured denomination that is ‘covenantal’ in nature. The Constitution and By-laws of the United Church of Christ read:

“Within the United Church of Christ, the various expressions of the church relate to each other in a covenantal manner. Each expression of the church has responsibilities and rights in relation to the others, to the end that the whole church will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission. Decisions are made in consultation and collaboration among the various parts of the structure. As members of the Body of Christ, each expression of the church is called to honor and respect the work and ministry of each other part. Each expression of the church listens, hears, and carefully considers the advice, counsel, and requests of others. In this covenant, the various expressions of the United Church of Christ seek to walk together in all God’s ways.”

Church of the Beatitudes with its half century history in social and community leadership, racial and ecumenical cooperation values both the local autonomy of each local congregation as well as our covenantal ties. ‘When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer together.” (1 Corinthians 12: 26)