Since dropping membership from Jeremiah Wright's church in Chicago, the Obamas have been without a church home; however, to highlight the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, they paid a visit to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church near the White House, where the pastor called on the first family to join a church family.
-- From "Obamas attend MLK-themed church service" posted at UPI 1/16/11
The Obamas were welcomed warmly when they arrived at Metropolitan AME Church. The several hundred congregants cheered loudly and one woman yelled "God bless you!"
After the choir sang several hymns, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Negro National Anthem, the congregation prayed and many yelled "Amen!" when the speaker mentioned the "people of Tucson, Ariz."
The Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson recognized the Obamas, thanked them for their leadership and also praised the president for his speech at the memorial service last week for the victims of the shooting in Tucson.
The congregation also sang "Happy Birthday" to the first lady, who turns 47 Monday.
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From "Marking holiday at Metropolitan AME, Obamas get new invite" by Hamil R. Harris and Peter Wallsten, Washington Post Staff Writers 1/17/11
Looking at Michelle Obama, the Rev. Marie Braxton declared: "It would be something if you joined our church, and I got to be your pastor and you got to be my girlfriend. And Mr. President, we would find something for you to do."
The president and his family were full participants for more than two hours, singing, standing, even enduring church announcements and the passing of the collection plates. But it seemed the family remained noncommittal Sunday on the question of joining.
A year ago, on the eve of the King holiday, Obama delivered remarks at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, where King preached in the early days of the civil rights movement. Obama reflected on King's legacy and the difficulties facing black Americans.
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Is Obama Christian? Few Think So: Poll
Obama Reads Bible, but doesn't Honor Bible
