Obama quits Chicago church

DEMOCRATIC presidential frontrunner Barack Obama has quit his Chicago church in the aftermath of inflammatory sermons that could become a lightning rod in November’s election.

Obama’s resignation from Trinity United Church of Christ, which he has attended for 16 years, was an attempt to put the issue behind him as he closes in on the Democratic nomination to run against Republican John McCain for the White House.

“This is not a decision I come to lightly and frankly it’s one I make with some sadness,” said Obama. “Trinity was where I found Jesus Christ, where we were married, where our children were baptised.”