Geoffrey Black speaks at General Synod 27 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, UCC general minister and president, has sent a letter congratulating President Obama on his being named the 2009 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Black cited Obama as "one who has been nurtured in the Christian faith within the United Church of Christ," and offered prayers for the President, commending him for "courage in the struggle for justice and peace." Obama and his family were members of Trinity UCC in Chicago prior to controversy that erupted over statements made by Trinity's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

"You have had the courage to tell the truth and to stand by that truth in matters pertaining to peace," Black's letter said. "For that you are being honored with the Peace Prize and rightly so."

Black assumed the General Minister and Presidency on Oct. 1 following his election by the UCC's 27th General Synod this past summer.

The full letter can be downloaded here.