President Obama continues to search for a church despite an article claiming he's settled on the small chapel at Camp David, a White House spokesman said Monday.
Time magazine reported that the president, who since taking office has been searching for a place of worship in the Washington, D.C. area, has told aides that he will make Evergreen Chapel, the nondenominational church at Camp David, his primary church.
"There have been no formal decisions about joining a church. When (the president) goes to Camp David, he has attended services at chapel there. They're not formally joining that church and no formal decisions on church here," Press Secretary Rob Gibbs said.
"The story is inaccurate," said White House spokesman Bill Burton. "The president and first family continue to look for a church home. They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family."
The article said Obama was following the lead of President George W. Bush, who attended services at Camp David, mainly to avoid a public scene whenever he attends services. Bush also attended St. John's Episcopal Church across Lafayette Park from the White House.
One aspect of the article is true, Gibbs said. The president does worry about the disruptive nature of his presence at any church and shares the strong belief of the personal nature to one's spirituality. To be disruptive takes away from experience of others."
Obama left the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago last summer following the controversy surrounding his former pastor Jeremiah Wright.
Time described the chaplain at Camp David, Lt. Carey Cash, as the "polar opposite" of Wright.
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