ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) -- Barack Obama said Saturday has resigned his 20 year membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago "with some sadness" in the aftermath of inflammatory remarks by his longtime pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and more recent fiery remarks at the church by another minister.
"This is not a decision I come to lightly ... and it is one I make with some sadness," he said at a news conference after campaign officials released a letter of resignation sent to the church on Friday.
He said he and his wife has been discussing the issue since Wright's appearance at a Press Club appearance in Washington that reignited furor over remarks he had made in various sermons at the church.
"I suspect we'll find another church home for our family," Obama said.
He said it is clear that since he is a presidential candidate, any remarks made at Trinity by any speaker "will be imputed to me even if they conflict" with his stated views and values.
Obama said he had "no idea" how the resignation would "impact my presidential campaign, but I know its the right thing to do for the church and our family."
