I believe having an openly gay priest speak does offer some balance for the bigotry of Warren

[RiverStone]

CNN) — The first openly gay priest ordained by a major Christian denomination will deliver the invocation at the kickoff inauguration event Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial.

The Rev. Gene Robinson, Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire, has accepted an invitation issued by the Obama team prior to the announcement of the Rev. Rick Warren’s selection to deliver the invocation at the president-elect’s swearing-in, Politico reported Monday.

Robinson had been a critic of Warren’s role, calling his inclusion in the event “really, really unfortunate” because of the California minister's support for California's Prop. 8, which barred same-sex marriage.

“It's about this particular venue and the role that he has in praying for all of America, and I'm just not sure he'd pray to God the same way I would,” Robinson told Beliefnet last month.

more:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

On disclaimer, I'd prefer there was NO religious anything at President Obama's inauguration; though saying that I hope for all the fault that folks may assign the Obama team for inviting the bigotry of Rick Warren to the podium - that in turn we can acknowledge that although Warren will still speak, added to the ceremonies will also be a man who represents a compelling voice for the GLBT community as well.

I'm not suggesting one makes up completely for another, but inviting the Rev. Gene Robinson to speak, who himself has condemned Warren's words --- is at least positive on it's own merits. In that regard, this is a good development.

Would you agree?

[villager]

1. I think people are missing that this is going to --thankfully -- make it "harder" on Warren as well

... in terms of his right flank getting further pissed off at the perceived "co-option" by Obama...

So if it continues to fray Warren's connections on the right, all the better...

[NightWatcher]

2. but but but (snot bubble) I wanna complain

Obama will be spending the next 4 years (or 8) juggling al kinds of dangerous, sharp objects. Economy, war, civil liberty, the environment....... and he started on Day Zero. Sure he has Warren (BIGOT), but then he throws in a dash of Robinson. Remember the election? Obama appears to know what the fuck he is doing. I mean, shit, he's a black guy with the middle name "Hussein" and he beat an old white guy and his tart and a sitting US Senator to get where he will be in EIGHT DAYS.

[RiverStone]

5. Not only does he know what he is doing, but for a politician...he knows how to listen! n/t

[zipplewrath]

3. No, I do not

Quite the opposite, it really "cheapens" the honor to one to suggest it balances someone else who does not deserve the honor. It's like Bush handing out the Medal of Freedom to all those kooks in his admin. It demeans the honor given to the truly deserving.

[RiverStone]

7. Given that Obama will not rescind Warren's invite - would you prefer Robinson not speak at all?

I get what you are saying, but the sum total still seems like a plus to me. Having Robinson speak at least says to the world that what Robinson has to say is valid and important. And ya know, Gene Robinson might just say something pretty damn good!

[glinda]

4. Like to see a Buddhist also speak

[NightWatcher]

6. then a Pagan, then a Wiccan, then a______ this shit could last for months at that rate

enough with the pomp and circumstance and get ready to work

[Mike 03]

8. Riverstone, your posts are always very fair and uplifting for their

rationality and thoughtfulness. I agree with everything you wrote. It makes me disheartened that so many people are cynical even about this. I thought this was a good solution, but some people I respect disagree, and on principle I have decided to defer to them. I wish they would reconsider their views, but it's not my place to disagree with them.

[RiverStone]

9. Thanks for the kind words Mike. On balance, the glass is far more full than empty!

I really think that when we see Obama swear on oath to uphold the Constitution, that we will finally - FINALLY know that Shrub's criminal regime has come to an end!

Call me optimistic, but I believe that moment will be so compelling - that with it will also be swept in a huge wave of good karma.


peace~:hi:

[Chemical Bill]

10. "Balance" would be a frothing-at-the-mouth anti-christian.

There are probably some here who would volunteer. ;-)

I'm sorry, but I'm sick of the Hannity-Colmes thing, you don't balance an idiot rightwing-nut with a MOR twinkie, and you don't balance a homophobic fundie with someone tolerant.

Bill

[SoCalDem]

11. Ish!.. Priests, ministers, pastors, whatever..

I'd like to see NONE of them.. Just the official swearing in..an inaugural speech and then the parties...

It's not a POPE we're electing..it's a president..

Have the "God-stuff" in private..

[FreeState]

12. The only way to fight bigotry is to end it - not include bigots - it does not matter how many GLBT

friendly or identified people are included in the celebration - none of that will change Warrens history or beliefs. You can not cancel out bigotry.