VP Harris' longtime mentor consistently defended Obama's controversial pastor.

A Planet Chronicle Digital review discovered that Vice President Kamala Harris' pastor and mentor consistently defended former President Obama's controversial pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, when his past sermons caused a controversy during the 2008 presidential campaign.

According to a March 2008 San Francisco Chronicle article, Rev. Amos Brown, the longtime minister of San Francisco's Third Baptist Church, and Wright were reportedly "friends" and attended the same graduate ministry school together in Dayton, Ohio. The article also stated that Brown has a photo of Wright in his church office.

The article stated that on Sunday, he spoke to a packed church and asserted that the criticisms directed at Obama for his close relationship with Wright were part of a plot to harm the candidate's reputation on the topic of religion, as there were no other negative issues that had damaged his standing.

"According to Brown, the events unfolding around Barack Obama were planned and executed a year ago, while you were asleep, and this type of behavior does not occur randomly."

Brown, who was one of Harris' guests at her inauguration in 2021 and has known her family for more than two decades, could be a major liability for her campaign as his past sermons and ties to Wright resurface. Harris previously praised Brown for being "on this journey with me every step of the way."

In an April 2008 op-ed for SFGate, Brown defended Wright and claimed that the soundbites from Wright's previous sermons were being "mischaracterized" by the media. He responded to the San Francisco Chronicle piece by saying the reporter characterized his and Wright's style of preaching as similar, but Brown rejected the description of their tone as "fiery."

"Brown stated that Wright and he do not preach angrily or inflammatory, but rather with passion and enthusiasm. They will not remain silent when their witness is mischaracterized as anger."

If White preachers, such as Billy Graham, Pat Robinson, and Jerry Falwell, have the freedom to speak their minds, even if they sometimes say the wrong things, then we should be able to speak up for social justice and peace without being criticized by our opponents.

In 2009, Wright accused Jews of preventing him from speaking with Obama after his election as President. He has also made other controversial statements, such as his comment following 9/11 that "America's chickens are coming home to roost."

During the 2008 campaign, Obama distanced himself from Wright, expressing outrage and sadness over Wright's words. He resigned his membership at the church in May 2008.

In the following year, months after Obama's inauguration as president, Wright was invited by Brown to deliver a speech at his church, where Brown has been the pastor since 1976. During the celebration of the church's 33rd anniversary under Brown's leadership, Wright gave a "half-hour, high-energy sermon, filled with spontaneous songs, jokes, and impersonations."

Brown defended Wright's participation in his church's anniversary event honoring him, stating that it is part of the spiritual DNA of the church to provide clarity and context to important public policy issues.

Wright visited Brown's church at least three times, including in 2009, 2010, and 2012.

In September 2010, Wright toured various churches in the vicinity of Oakland and San Francisco, including Brown's Third Baptist Church.

In December 2012, Brown announced on Facebook that his church would be holding a service concentrating on peace and putting an end to violence in America following the recent horrific event in Newtown, Connecticut.

"Join us for a worship experience featuring Dr. Jeremiah Wright, D.Min, Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Methodist Church, Chicago, Illinois, and legendary actor and activist Danny Glover as guest speakers. The entire Bay area community is welcome to attend."

Brown, who has been praised by Harris multiple times during speeches, previously sparked controversy by blaming America for 9/11 during a memorial service.

"During the NAACP National Convention in 2022, Harris expressed gratitude to Dr. Brown for being a voice of leadership and guidance throughout her journey in public office. She thanked him for his unwavering support and leadership, acknowledging that he has been with her every step of the way, from the beginning of her political aspirations to the present day."

At the 2022 annual session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Harris pondered on her enduring bond with Brown.

"For two decades, I have relied on your guidance and inspiration, Rev. Brown. Your wisdom has been instrumental in helping me navigate through challenging times. Thank you for being the constant source of inspiration in my life."

"I am always honored to spend time with my pastor, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco," Harris wrote in a 2023 Instagram photo caption of her and Brown embracing. "He continues to inspire me always."

During a virtual roundtable session with faith leaders in 2021, Harris acknowledged Amos Brown, his pastor, for joining them and began the conversation.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the Harris campaign and Brown for comment.