CUT TIES WITH PASTOR
Obama, who would be the first black US president, had previously cut ties with Trinity's former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, who angered many with anti-American and racially charged sermons.
But just as controversy over Wright was dying down, a Roman Catholic priest mocked Obama's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton during a guest appearance at Trinity United.
When announcing his decision to quit the church - one he said he made with sadness because it was where he and his wife were married and their children were baptized - Obama said he realised that anything said in the church he attends would always be scrutinised and linked to him.
Since he gave the main speech of the service at the Apostolic Church of God, there was no sermon on Sunday. But the church's former pastor, Bishop Arthur Brazier, made brief remarks calling Obama a friend who has "changed the course of America".
"He has done something to this country that I never thought I would be able to see," Brazier said to applause. "I am filled with emotion because I have lived through some very tough times in America."
The Obamas will search for a permanent church to attend as a family, although Obama said he would not likely settle on one until next year.
Following his meeting with McCain, Zebari urged that both candidates despite competing views on the war grasp the "true picture" of a country that still needs military help despite recent progress.
"Iraq has been to hell many times, and back, and now we have the right policies, the right personnel and we have a committed government to accomplish its national agenda - and the surge strategy has worked," Zebari said on CNN's "Late Edition", echoing McCain's view.
Zebari said he also was willing to meet with Obama but nothing was scheduled.
