Obama Campaign Releases Open Letter From Supporters On Controversial Reverend

Senator Barack Obama's campaign has been struggling with its decision to hold a gospel tour in South Carolina with an anti-homosexual pastor, Donnie McClurkin.

After much criticism from gay rights groups and others, they tried inviting an openly gay minister to appear before McClurkin. But that didn't work - the Human Rights Campaign's Joe Solomonese expressed more disappointment in having the pastor on the stage and only said he hoped Obama "will move forward and facilitate face to face meetings with religious leaders, like Rev. McClurkin, and the GLBT community to confront the issue of homophobia."

Now the senator's campaign is trying to show that he's doing just that. An open letter signed by 16 LGBT and black religious leaders says that Obama is reaching out to bring blacks and homosexuals together. But Obama makes clear that even if he disagrees with African-Americans who are anti-gay, he still wants their votes.

"We believe that Barack Obama is constructing a tent big enough for LGBT Americans who know that their sexual orientation is an innate and treasured part of their being, and for African American ministers and citizens who believe that their religion prevents them from fully embracing their gay brothers and sisters," the letter states. "And if we are to confront our shared challenges we have to join together, build on common ground, and engage in a civil dialogue even when we disagree."

Update: AmericaBlog's John Aravosis, who has been driving this story, reacts to the letter here.

The full letter with its signatories can be read after the jump.

To Whom It May Concern:

As representatives of Barack Obama supporters from the African American religious community and the gay community, we are issuing a statement together for the first time. Our letter addresses the recent issue of Pastor Donnie McClurkin singing at Senator Obama's "Embrace the Change" concert series. In the midst of division, we hope and believe that this is a moment to bring together communities that have been divided for far too long.

A few things are clear.



First, Pastor McClurkin believes and has stated things about sexual orientation that are deeply hurtful and offensive to many Americans, most especially to gay Americans. This cannot and should not be denied.



At the same time, a great many African Americans share Pastor McClurkin's beliefs. This also cannot be ignored.



Finally, we believe that the only way for these two sides to find common ground is to do so together.



Not at arms length. Not in a war of words with press and pundits. Only together.



It is clear that Barack Obama is the only candidate who has made bringing these two often disparate groups together a goal. In gatherings of LGBT Americans and African Americans of faith, Obama has stated that all individuals should be afforded full civil rights regardless of their sexual orientation, and that homophobia must be eradicated in every corner of our nation. If we are to end homophobia and secure full civil rights for gay Americans, then we need an advocate within the Black community like Barack Obama.



At the same time, while Obama has said that he "strongly disagrees" with Pastor McClurkin's comments, he will not exclude from his campaign the many Americans including many in the African American community who believe the same as Pastor McClurkin.



We believe that Barack Obama is constructing a tent big enough for LGBT Americans who know that their sexual orientation is an innate and treasured part of their being, and for African American ministers and citizens who believe that their religion prevents them from fully embracing their gay brothers and sisters. And if we are to confront our shared challenges we have to join together, build on common ground, and engage in a civil dialogue even when we disagree.



We also ask Senator Obama's critics to consider the alternatives. Would we prefer a candidate who ignores the realities in the African American community and cuts off millions of Blacks who believe things offensive to many Americans? Or a panderer who tells African Americans what they want to hear, at the expense of our gay brothers and sisters? Or would we rather stand with Barack Obama, who speaks truth in love to both sides, pulling no punches but foreclosing no opportunities to engage?



We stand with Senator Obama. We stand with him because of the solutions he is proposing for our nation. We stand with him because of his character and his judgment. But the most important reason we stand with him is because today, as he has done all along, Barack Obama is causing us to stand together.



That's the kind of President we need, and we are proud to support him.



Sincerely,



Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr.
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Chair, Obama National African American Religious Leaders Working Group
Cleveland, Ohio



Stampp Corbin
Chair, Obama National LGBT Leadership Council
Former Member of Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors
Columbus, Ohio



Tobias Barrington Wolff
Chair, Obama LGBT Policy Committee
Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School
Philadelphia, PA



The Reverend Stephen John Thurston
President
National Baptist Convention of America
Chicago, IL



The Reverend Alvin Love
President
Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Inc.



Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Office of Ecumenical & Urban Affairs
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Atlanta, GA
Steven Latasa-Nicks
President, The Phelon Group, Inc.
Former Human Rights Campaign Board of Governors
New York, NY



Maxim Thorne
Former COO, Human Rights Campaign
Paterson, NJ



Phil Burgess
Former Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors
Chicago, IL



Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner
Skinner Leadership Institute
Tracy's Landing, MD



Rev. Michael Pfleger
St. Sabina, Chicago

Rev. Edward Taylor
San Jose, CA



The Reverend Robert H. Thompson
Exeter, NH



Sharon Malheiro
LGBT Activist
Des Moines, IA



Hon. Jon Cooper
Majority Leader, Suffolk County (NY) Legislature
Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr., Pastor
Mt. Zion Congregational UCC

Comments

[PoHo]

If, if and buts were candy and nutts, we would all have a hell-of-a-Christmas.

[Arvin]

I said this once, and I'll say it again:
Remember Imus? This is what Obama had to say about his remarks:

"I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus," Obama told ABC News, "but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude."
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3031317

I guess 'nobody on my staff who would still be working for me', or lets logically extend it to: 'nobody I'd happily invite to one of my political events' only applies if you're a RACIST bigot. If you're a homophobe, well Obama would be glad to have you come sing for him. Now he has the nerve to pull this stunt, "but look at the 15 people I got to agree with me".... nevermind the hundreds and hundreds of people who have openly commented on blogs that he's wrong, and the likely thousands who haven't put it in writing yet, who he's also disappointed. He's a hypocrite.

[JoshuaGeneration]

McClurkin does not work for Obama nor has he been engaged to speak for the Obama campaign. He is a grammy award winning entertainer, one who was given the NAACP Image Award in 2004. That's obviously a homophobic organization as well.

[naijaman]

Didn't see this outrage when Mclurkin performed at a Hillary Clinton fundraiser. You clowns are funny...so funny indeed.

[JimR]

McClurkin was also on Oprah. Another well-known homophobe.

[Amendmen7]

This is the most cogent critique that I've seen leveled at Obama in this whole fiasco. Thank you for reminding us of that quote.

[JimR]

Please tell us the disparaging comment McClurkin used to describe gays. Imus said "nappy headed hos" to describe a group of black women. And McClurkin used...

?

[TurnThePageGA]

And if you are one of those Clintonistas you are a HYPOCRITE.

OBAMA 08

[jeffhas]

HRC's no prize on every issue, but on this one, Obama's support for McClurkin's HATE MONGERING of gays while trying to court the black vote takes the craven award.

[cuthbertallgood]

At least he found some supporters who can say something other than 'nothing happened here' and 'Clinton' and 'you gay people'.

A hint to Obama supporters: politics as you can see is a tough game. Calling people names, and questioning their sincerity only looks bad for you and your candidate. Each time you encounter criticism of your candidate is another chance to promote him positivly and to educate others about him. Each time you speak of that other woman instead of Obmaa, she gains and Obama loses. Think about it. It is fun to cast stones, but better to win votes, don't you think?
Pretending the issue is not valid or that all offended parties are phony is a very stupid thing to do. It will not win you the election. And the point is to win, not to be the coolest or the snarkiest. The real job would be not to shout at but convert Hillary voters, do that and the world is yours.
Screaming at an offended party that they should not be offended is just not a winning tactic. Nor is accusing them of phoniness. Think about it.
I would like to see Obama beat Hillary, but be beaten by Edwards or Gore or best of all Dennis Kucinich, a real Democrat who can win new friends without selling out the old ones!

[TurnThePageGA]

Nice try cuthbert but you and this phony Hutchinson won't get away with. My name ain't John Kerry. We are attacking you phonies who are trying to smear OBAMA with your sleezy Clinton politics. Notice those who are stating their opinions in her that state that they support Dennis and Mike are not smacked. It is you who try to disguise (fake) your outrage and read down in the blog and you expose yourself for who you are. I hope you are for Dennis. I will keep reading the blog to make sure you don't backside agin to Hillary. But folk on here who support HILLARY who panders to the same community, has a paid GAY BASHER (he probably does not think so, he probably says that he too hates the sin, but loves the sinner) on paid staff in South Carolina will get smacked back.

TURNING THE PAGE NOT TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK

OBAMA 08

[Qbear]

The LGBT activists who signed the above letter can sit in the BACK of Obama's bus...I'll F*CKIN WALK!

[Qbear]

Senator Obama,

you LOST this gay supporter.

if you want a f*ckin dozen ex-gay ministers while tossing millions of queer votes and dollars....fine, better to learn that now. F*CK IT!

[starrianna]

thank you, Qbear!

see, Obama robots? people are PISSED OFF!

[LittleGreenGreaseBalls]

Oh, c'mon people. Everyone in the country wants and deserves respect, and eventually, working, working, working on that will accomplish the mission. Let's not shove it on the back burner while all that work is going on we do need to focus on the emergency that we as a people face by letting Bush run wild KILLING people and destroying our treasure for nothing.
The Bush people have managed to divert Americans from a myrid of things needing attention and I cannot begin to list them here. Most of you know what I'm talking about. Let's not get caught up yelling about some homophobe as a symbol when there is so much that needs doing. Just remember that Pastor Ted was very much like this fellow, and look what we found out about him. What devils is Pastor Donnie running from?

[starrianna]

There is NOTHING we can do about QUEEN GEORGE now.

In the French Revolution, people finally got sick of Marie "Let them eat cake" Antoinette and finally revolted.

The result wasn't pretty (read Wikipedia).

Queen George, thanks to the PATRIOT Act, has made sure that won't happen to her!

[starrianna]

All we can do, in vain, is send Queen George treats to gorge herself on.

I vote for chocolate-covered PRETZELS.

[Giordano Bruno]

You know, every time I see something knew, I rush to click, and then as I read the new item, a sense of doom and gloom comes into my mind. How disappointing. Senator, I think it is kind of like saying, "...gee I want the votes of the good old white boy bigots" during the days of the civil rights movement. You really can't have it both ways. A leader is responsible to educate, as JFK did during the Civil Rights movement, and even Harry S Truman. They paid a political price for it. However it is not right that narrow minded Christians continue their exclusionary and highly unscientific understanding of gay people. It is doubly hard for African American gay people who unlike Mr McClurkin chose not to engage in self hatred and embrace who they are without seeing it as a sin, or even an occasion of sin. Poor Mr. Obama, he has blown this one, and it will a tremendous turn around (which at this point, I don't see happening) for me to reconsider his candidacy. For me it's Edwards or 3rd party at this point. Please, Iowa, give John Edwards a boost. He needs it! Giordy

[ronkramer]

Would this "big tent" concept exiend to having Nazis and Jews or Klan members and Blacks in the same tent ?
Is there room for principled beliefs in this tent, or is it just another opportunistic carnival ?

[vamonticello]

There is no reason Obama should try to reach out to these closed minded LGBT people. They have apparently made up their minds to support a candidate like Hillary that openly campaigns with and is endorsed by REal homophobic ministers and instead focus their anger on the "Black" candidate that is supported by a gospel singer they dont like. There is rampant racism in the gay community and it will not change.

[starrianna]

question: are you black?

[starrianna]

>

[Giordano Bruno]

Vamonticello: Tu sei un grandissimo stronzo. Sono stanco della merda che scrivi te. Io ti invito andare un culo.

What a load of crap you wrote there. First off, I am not a racist by any stretch of the imagination. Secondly, I am still more likely to vote for Obama than Hillary, although, if he doesn't stand up against homophobia, I will not vote for him either. Kucinich is the best of the Democrats, but also the least viable. Of those with a shit show of winning, Edwards remains the only alternative. Like you, I am disgusted with the Hillary crowd. She is the glitzy, Wall Street, polished, never make a mistake candidate with no soul, and no backbone. Never would I vote for her. So quit griping about the gay community and send your pal Obama a message that he blew it, and challenge him to get it right.

[JoshuaGeneration]

Senator Obama will not be cancelling McClurkin. He has issued a statement on the subject and now sent an open letter. He stands on his record and as far as I'm concerned has stuck by his principles. If you choose to believe that his intent is promote homophobia while he has consistently spoken out against it in the black community and issued a statement strongly disagreeing with McClurkins alledged views, then perhaps you need to go with Edwards. He's a bit uncomfortable with even discussing gay issues, but then again, I don't think he'll be sponsoring any envangelical events..so you'll just be able to let him get away with associating with folks who are homophobic as long as it doesn't hit the press. The next time you see him in an envangelical church, you need the ask the same questions.

[JoshuaGeneration]

You nailed it!

[starrianna]

nailed what?

the only thing he's doing is nailing Obama to the cross.

apparently he can do no wrong, this guy.

Saint Obama? No thanks.

[Misanthrope2]

How do you know anything about racism in the gay community?

[jeffhas]

Discrimination.

[citizen53]

The letter actually says this:

"It is clear that Barack Obama is the only candidate who has made bringing these two often disparate groups together a goal."

As if that is what this was all about from the start?

What a crock. Obama is turning the page, but the cynical story remains.

[LIR]

What a bunch of malarkey...the bigoted ministers have no intention of embracing any LGBT brothers and sisters...not gonna happen. There is rampant hostility to LGBT among African Americans, face it...just look at the behavior of Jamaicans towards LGBT...murder and violence are de rigerur there...it took forever for some in the community to accept that people can get HIV because they engage in gay sex. Why, it's almost as crazy as Ahmadinejad denying there are gays in Iran...hellllooo!

I am sorry, this is more pipe dreams from Barack. This adventure in uselessness underscores his failings.

[starrianna]

I know.

Visit Jamaica! Get your Head Bashed In!

[JoshuaGeneration]

Oh yes and yet another racist railing selectively against the black community as if homophobia is an exclusive within that demographic. I got news for GLBT..you guys may be strong on some obscure blogs online, but you are weak at the polls. Your character assasination of a good man who has dedicated his life to public service and advancement of all peoples, has turned me indifferent to whatever injustice GLBT percieves to have sufferred. Good luck folks..you have lost my support and you will be losing the support of many mainstream Democratic voters. Black folks waited hundreds of years to become citizens and still suffer injustice. White candidates get a pass and the target is a black man..I guess I should expect that. Gays have rode our back on civil rights for a long time now. I'd like to see how far you'd have gotten on your own. I'll be writing Obama to tell him to publish a Go Cheney yourself letter to the GLBT community.

[TurnThePageGA]

AHA! As long as you support HILLARY....YOU'RE A FAKE!HERE IS HOW I KNOW IT!JUST HAD TO SHOW IT!YOU'RE A FAKE!

OBAMA 08

[Amendmen7]

> As if that is what this was all about from the start?

Since the 2004 keynote speech Obama has held that America is no two halves, but a whole. He has insisted on engaging all of America on those issues of common ground. So yes that is what "it was all about from the start". The problem is that, since, for many on this forum, sexuality has become the sum of their identity, they cannot find the common ground you share with a seemingly polar opposite (in this case, obviously issues of HIV). Obama's WHOLE POINT is that he can push legislation on the commonly ignored, politically inexpedient topics on which there is common ground rather than focus on that which divides, and therefore partisanly fires up, his constituency.

Now because of a single singer's opinion on a single campaign trail event you will shun a guy whose record puts him firmly on your side? Read the following 10/2007 Obama quote on the "don't ask don't tell" policy:

"Anybody who is willing to serve our country and die on a battlefield for us and our patriots, that's the criteria for whether or not they should be able to serve in our military," Obama said. "England doesn't have this policy. Israel doesn't have this policy. It's an outdated policy."

He supports all of your issues, and you would turn him away because of a loosely affiliated entertainer's personal opinion. Shame on you.

[Misanthrope2]

He is an empty suit, saying nothing, and supported by naive people who project their desires onto his ambiguous and vague statements.

[jeffhas]

All of your statements outlining Obama's support for the Gay Community is what makes the issue of McClurkin's participation just plain odd. The idea that Obama is inviting McClurkin to stand up on a stage with him, showing support for each other, only to challenge his beliefs is absurd in the extreme. It's plainly obvious that he planned this event to gain support from the Black Community where he is surprisingly pressured by HRC's own support by the Black community. Then he found an outcry form the LGBT community against this event. He quickly saw to 're-position' the event as nothing more than a 'gospel hour' and that to show he has heard the communities outcry - he would invite an 'out' minister to the event as well.... When that didn't satisfy the LGBT community (why would it?... support of a minister who represents a discriminated class - blacks - espouses hatred of another discriminated class of people!!!, Obama rushes out this sorry excuse 'signed public letter'. It all reeks of Cover-My-Ass. Quite frankly I would've though Obama to be a much brighter politician. Valuing one discriminated class over another is just bad politics from the beginning.... but if you've decided that's the road your going down, then at least stick to your guns and go down the road already - stop with the multiple-letter-shifting-reasons nonsense. It makes you look like a lamb among the lions.

[jsarets]

This situation is obviously the result of a failure of the campaign's vetting process, and this the least damaging of the possible responses. To take a stand for or against the theory that homosexuality is a disease that can be cured would be far worse for his campaign than this bit of hypocrisy.

However, this whole thing could have been avoided if somebody had questioned the wisdom of putting the candidate on stage with a gay-basher. Does that really help him with the homophobic crowd? And if so, is it worth jeopardizing a solid lead amongst the LGBT community?

[LIR]

Obviously it is..."bridging" two communities, when one sees the other as in need of "curing" and that what they do is a "choice"? I am sorry, ignorance in the name of religion will not be excused, and if Barack had balls, he would say that! Lose the bigots, Barack. Otherwise don't come around asking for LGBT votes. You aren't going to get them from anyone who gives a damn about their self respect.

[Giordano Bruno]

Bravo. Bravissimo. The idea of bringing together two disparate communities is a crock. And the poor devil probably unwittingly, incidentally, took himself out. Its down to Hillary and John Edwards now. And Hillary has accepted the endorsement of several at least one homophobic minister herself. I know that her backers will say that at least she won't parade him around on the stage. Or perhaps she would have until she saw what a hassle this created for poor Senator Obama. He is a spineless fellow however, because he needed a much stronger statement which educates the Christian community about the real message of Jesus. He invited those without sin to cast the first stone, and he also said that people should not judge their fellow human beings, lest they accept their own judgement in return. He also said to love your enemy. The inflammatory non loving rhetorin of Rev. McClurkin is antithetical to the Gospels that I read. Giordy

[Nommo]

then think of it this way. Go if you want. No one is holding a gun to your head suggesting tht you vote for this one or that.
Maybe there is a gamble here. As a politico, perhaps he is just thinking numbers. Since the queers have made it clear that they are pissed and going elsewhere, it makes sense to pursue those Black folk in and around South C.
Besides, white folks are not going to vote for Obama. They always talk that crap until the curtain closes behind them. Just look at the numbers the next day.

[JoshuaGeneration]

Everybody keeps saying Obama is going to be onstage with McClurkin. If you care about the truth, Obama was never scheduled to appear at any of these concerts.

[starrianna]

of course he can't show his face.

that would mean having to have his picture taken with him.

don't you get it?

[TomChicago]

I'm looking for the exit to the big tent; there is an evil smell in here.

[starrianna]

It's the smell Michelle was talking about.

[otispfudpucker]

Starrianna, how much are you getting paid to troll???
It is so obvious from your post's and lack of intelligence that you are either from the HRC camp or perhaps Guilliani camp. Which one is it?
You are also a very disturbed racist and bigot. Starting to think that you are either related to or are one of the same AKA SensibleAmerican, or as she is well known on this board senseless.
So why don't you stop your racist remarks and see if you can find something that is note worthy and intelligent to say. Otherwise, STFU.

[DrVandy]

Then good bye. Seriously, I'm so tired of the whining. Clearly there is nothing about Barack Obama that interest you, so why do you all continue to write your self-pitying posts. Just don't vote for him and be done with it.

By the way, I love how those of you who disagree with Obama assume that you speak for the entire gay community. Clearly, the individuals who were Board members and a former COO of the HRC have a voice as well and they disagree strikingly with you. As for me, I'm done with this topic. I strongly support Barack and respect his leadership on this matter but I am also willing to hear what the gay community has to say but if all you want to do is just whine, you can do that without an audience.

[TomChicago]

What gay people have to say is that a phobic analysis of homosexuality, a conflation of homosexuality with evil, disease and sin is so offensive as to make the "big tent" just another zone of hatred.

[starrianna]

Sounds like you're the only whiner in here, Doctor!

[otispfudpucker]

Amen DrVandy.

[LIR]

Hmmm, would you say that if this involved a racist issue? Would you consider it "done"?
There, caught.

[RaderBarbarian]

Well, DrVandy, you called it like you see it, and so be it. I am gone - totally from Barack Obama. I was a voter for him. Now I am not. Get it now? You lose. Congratulations! And how sad that is! I had such hope for the Obama campaign - and to watch it deconstruct before our very eyes! Don't believe that is happening? Just read the anger in these posts, from both sides. If that isn't self-destruction of the Obama campaign, then tell me, what is it?

[starrianna]

Obama better watch out!

It's one thing to put together a letter with a bunch of shills signing it.

WAIT TIL about 10,000,000 REAL LGBT activists get their response together by not voting for him.

EVER.

[dtd]

And just wait until the largest voting block in south carolina does vote for him then extends that to Alabama then Georgia then the midwest. Just ask John Kerry who had more influence in OH, LGBT or the Black church.

[LIR]

No one's voting for Barack. He is OVER and DONE!

[JoshuaGeneration]

Hey..no need to bother these folks with the truth. Who the hell do they think these black folks were voting for to begin with? If black folks don't elect democrats, gay folks can forget about the rest. Check the hispanic community out by the way. They are very much the same with respect to the church and homosexuality.

[otispfudpucker]

Starrianna, how much are you getting paid to troll???
It is so obvious from your post's and lack of intelligence that you are either from the HRC camp or perhaps Guilliani camp. Which one is it?
You are also a very disturbed racist and bigot. Starting to think that you are either related to or are one of the same AKA SensibleAmerican, or as she is well known on this board senseless.
So why don't you stop your racist remarks and see if you can find something that is note worthy and intelligent to say. Otherwise, STFU.

[starrianna]

******
See response above. No need to "spam" this blog.

P.S. Freedom of Speech.

[LIR]

Licking ass for Obama is by no means showing intelligence. It's being in denial. Blind. Stupid. Naive. Take your pick. You display all of those faults, and obviously many more.

[BludevlsAdvocate]

Huh?

So Obama thinks that by "bringing together" bigots and gay people, he can end homophobia?

Sounds like, rather than having a "big tent," Obama is trying to have it both ways.

And who the hell appointed McClurkin as spokesman for "millions of Blacks who believe things offensive to many Americans?"

[LIR]

Thank you...we have idiots like otispfudpucker who shill for Obama lecturing people on whether they are trolls...the only ones who need to "STFU" are people who can't see how much a craven politician Obama is being, everything he said he wasn't. How much more evidence do some of you need to see it? You obviously can see it when Bush or any of his pigs do it, then realize it doesn't only happen among Repubs...many love to point out Hillary's political maneuvers, well she hasn't done anything quite as dumb as this, which just proves once again how green Obama is...like I said, anyone advising him who told him to go this route is a jackass. Playing one constituency against another is just the dumbest mistake any politician can do. And nothing is now going to change what has been done.

[JoshuaGeneration]

I think the real problem here is that you are either too dumb or you have a double standard for the white candidates in this race. Hillary has a South Carolina state senator on a 10k a month retainer who also happens to be a black evangelical preacher. Guess what..he makes McClurkin seem harmless. But you wonuldn't know that..you're too busy trying to character assasinate the black man who is trying to help. I've had it with the gay community. I have gone from sympathetic to ambivalent to now I don't give a damn. I'm nonreligious and I'm now rooting for the evangelicals. I sure don't want LGBT issues to derail the democratic party.

[situationcritical]

This makes about as much sense as a religious black person attending services at the local KKK church.

Water and oil, baby...water and oil.

[starrianna]

yes, but remember that Obama is the magic "uniter" that can blow rainbows out of his heinie!