The insiders said Winfrey was uncomfortable with the tone of some of the more controversial sermons Wright gave at the Trinity United Church of Christ.

"Oprah is a businesswoman, first and foremost," Winfrey's longtime friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told the magazine. "She's always been aware that her audience is very mainstream and doing anything to offend them just wouldn't be smart. She's been around black churches all her life, so Reverend Wright's anger-filled message didn't surprise her. But it just wasn't what she was looking for in a church."

Winfrey's one-time business associate said the popular talk-show host told them she also left the church because she had grown tired of organized religion.

"There is the Church of Oprah now," her longtime friend laughed. "She has her own following."

Newsweek said Winfrey declined to comment and a Harpo Productions representative wouldn't discuss her reasons for leaving the church.

Presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., of whom Winfrey is a loyal supporter, has recently come under fire for his relationship with Wright, his former pastor.