Dec 18, 2008 2:30 pm US/Central
Obama Defends Warren's Role In Inaugural
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
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Presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) waves to the crowd with pastor Rick Warren (R) before the start of the Civil Forum on the Presidency at the Saddleback Church Aug. 16, 2008, in Lake Forest, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
President-elect Barack Obama is defending his choice of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration.
The selection brought objections from gay rights advocates who say they're troubled by Warren's support for a California ballot initiative banning gay marriage. It was approved by voters last month.
Obama told reporters in Chicago that America needs to "come together," even when there's disagreement on social issues. He also said it's "no secret" that he's a "fierce advocate for equality" for gays and lesbians - and he said that support will continue.
Obama pointed out that a couple of years ago, he was invited to Warren's church to speak, despite their disagreement on some issues.
The president-elect says a "wide range of viewpoints" will be presented during the inaugural festivities.
Pastor Rick Warren, a best-selling author and leader of a Southern California megachurch, is one of a new breed of evangelicals who stress the need for action on social issues such as reducing poverty and protecting the environment, alongside traditional theological themes. But the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights organization, said Warren's opposition to gay marriage is a sign of intolerance.
"We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination," the group said in a letter to Obama, asking him to reconsider.
Obama's selection of Warren is seen as a signal to religious conservatives that the president-elect will listen to their views. During the campaign, Warren interviewed Obama and Republican John McCain in a widely watched television program that focused on religious concerns.
Gay rights advocates say they are troubled by Warren's support for a California ballot initiative banning gay marriage, approved by voters last month. "By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table," the letter said.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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