Not many have appreciated the way Barack Obama has responded to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. His condemnation and defense has come from a lot of different directions...all having to do with response to his bid for the presidency.

My response has nothing to do with his quest for the White House. I speak a word of appreciation for how he has handled his relationship with his pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

I write as a pastor. I thought there was great integrity in the way, early on, Obama expressed disagreement with his pastor's "ranting," but maintained his relationship and gratitude for the role Wright had played in his life: performing his wedding ceremony and baptizing his children...two very special events in the life of a person, and two important functions of a pastor.

I remember the early sixtie…