Rick Warren, best-selling author and religious leader, will give the prayer at President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration today. Warren, who is the senior minister at Saddleback Church in southern California, is well known for his book The Purpose Driven Life, which was released in 2002.
Despite Warren's influence on religion, controversy surrounding his role in the inauguration comes mostly from his support of Proposition 8, the 2008 election ballot that banned gay marriage in California.
I think that Warren has every right to feel the way he feels
but I would have been more enthused by a more open-minded choice (in who gives the prayer). It's not a reflection on Obama but that's how people could take it said Katy Fishman, an Ohio University junior studying creative writing and political science.
Others - like Athens City Councilman Elahu Gosney - said Warren's role in the inauguration could be a good reflection on Obama.
With this choice
(Obama) is following his campaign promise to be everyone's president
not just a representative of the Democrats
progressives or African-Americans. There is a lot to be gained from working with people we disagree with and understanding their viewpoints
Gosney said.
Gene Robinson, an openly gay Episcopal bishop, gave the prayer at the We Are One inauguration concert on Sunday, which might balance Warren's role, Gosney added.
Rev. Steve Knape of Christ Lutheran Church on Mill Street, also said that in many ways, Warren is very progressive.
He has had an enormous impact on Christianity. If we could stop being outraged
we could learn from each other
Knape said.
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