Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks during a news conference in Chicago on March 12, 2008. Obama received the endorsement of several retired Admirals and Generals Wednesday. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

The Rev. Otis Moss III told his congregation at his first Easter sermon they should pray for the wisdom to overcome the negative image painted of the South Side Church that holds Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama, Ill., among its followers.

The church's former pastor, Wright, sparked a racial controversy with remarks from the pulpit, inspiring Obama to deliver what some say was his most impressive speech yet on race relations.

Moss told the 8,000-strong congregation Sunday "God is using this moment so we truly can be the United States of America," The Chicago Tribune reported Monday.

Moss carried on with some of the teachings of Wright, who urged his congregation to be "unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian."