In April 2008, Obama denounced Pastor Jeremiah Wright, the leader of the church, after Wright made scathing comments about the United States and its government.

Obama's decision to quit his church came after a guest preacher mocked Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. This proved to be the last straw after a series of political problems caused for Obama by the church.

Some of Wright's sermons have been considered offensive and have been drawing controversy to Obama's campaign. Obama has consistently had to parry attacks made by commentators who imply the church mirrors Obama's own beliefs.

Obama wants to put the controversy behind him and move forward with the election.

• "This is not a decision I come to lightly ... and it is one I make with some sadness"
• "I'm not denouncing the church and I'm not interested in people who want me to denounce the church"
• "the church have been suffering from the attention my campaign has focused on them"
• "I suspect we'll find another church home for our family"
• "This was a pretty personal decision and I was not trying to make political theater out of it"