Looking for a volunteer network of local “congregation captains,” the national religious affairs director for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, was in Orangeburg on Saturday for the first of several faith forums planned across the state.

Joshua DuBois, who met with a couple of dozen interested church leaders and supporters of the Illinois Democrat for the two-hour session at Joe Fox’s in the Orangeburg Mall, stressed the importance the candidate’s faith has played in his public service.

The Tennessee native told how his grandmother, a civil rights worker in Nashville, taught him that it was people of faith, especially in the civil rights movement, who have made the difference.

“That’s why we’re here at this forum,” he said.

After an Obama DVD was played, DuBois told how one of the senator’s first jobs out of undergraduate school was to organize a network of churches on the South Side of Chicago to improve living conditions.

“He made a significant impact on the South Side,” said DuBois. “And, he saw the power of the churches to do great things. It’s about hope - that we as a people of faith can change things about us ... address the needs of the least of these.”

Also, DuBois noted, it was during this time the Obama changed his personal faith and began his long association with his church, Trinity United Church of Christ.

During the session, participants were paired up to discuss the personal impact on their lives and local community that the next president could make, how their faith encourages them to be active “outside the four walls of the church,” and what they’re looking for in a leader.

“We want to hear form you and your needs and how Sen. Obama, as president of the United States, can effect” those changes, said DuBois.

Jeannette Bradley, an Obama supporter from Shepherd Outreach Ministries of Santee, shared her concerns for medical issues and the homeless.

Bradley’s partner for the exercise was Mary Ulmer of Orangeburg, a member of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church.

Making housing available for all Americans is a key concern, said Ulmer, a supporter who saw the candidate when he appeared at Claflin University and at the Democratic debate at South Carolina State University.

“We need to address the needs of senior citizens. There are programs that might be available and they don’t know about them. Bring about awareness,” she said. “And, there are a lack of summer programs and activities in Orangeburg County.”

Also, there was Jalal H. Bey of Elloree, a member of Shiloh AME Church and an enthusiastic Obama supporter. He expressed concern over Hurricane Katrina victims and health care issues, noting that his faith encourages him to help the less fortunate.

“I support Obama and many of the people I know do,” said Bey. “I speak about him on a daily basis.”

After forum members had discussed their issues and concerns - and interacted with Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas, in a conference call - DuBois praised the energy of those who came out on a Saturday morning look for solutions.

“There are challenges here, but a lot of hope here,” he said. “The issues we’ve seen discussed here have real relevance in Washington, D.C.”

Kevin Griffis, state spokesman for the Obama campaign, said the Orangeburg faith forum is the first of a series planned for the state. Similar forums have also been held in New Hampshire.

“We see it as an integral part of the campaign. Every candidate is going to reach out to people of faith. What sets this apart is how we’re doing it,” said Griffis. “It’s not just about talking to a leader of a church, but the average church goer.”

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

You must be logged in to comment.