Obama, black religious leaders to meet

WASHINGTON, April 6 (UPI) -- Black religious leaders from across the United States plan to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss the needs of African-American community.

The meeting Tuesday at the White House is the second such get-together in three months. Questions in the black community have been raised about whether Obama has done enough to help African Americans deal with the one of the worst recessions in U.S. history, The Washington Post reported.

Among other things, the black community has been hurt more than other groups by the lack of jobs and the difficulty in getting financing.

Tuesday's meeting with black religious leaders precedes a prayer breakfast with a larger group of ministers.

"This meeting is not about politics," White House spokesman Corey Ealons said of the meeting with black religious leaders. "It is about connecting with key faith leaders on the challenges impacting our nation. President Obama appreciates the acute challenges facing African-Americans across the country and respects the work these pastors are doing to support the communities they serve."

The ministers, the Post said, wrote an open letter to Obama, praising the job he has done and encouraging him to "stay the course."