A “wide range of viewpoints” will be present at the inauguration, Obama said.
The president-elect noted that he had been invited to speak at Rev. Warren’s church despite their disagreements.
Obama also characterized himself as a “fierce advocate for equality” for gays and lesbians and said he will remain so.
Rev. Warren’s participation was also challenged by some pro-life individuals. CBN’s David Brody said he had received many letters that “absolutely rip” Warren.
“Let me just say that pro-lifers are NOT happy with Warren at all,” Brody said.
Offering his own opinion, Brody said:
“While I understand the justifiable concern coming from pro-lifers and liberals, the bottom line is this: why can’t a pro-life pastor pray for a pro-choice candidate? Are politics and past prejudices clouding our judgment here? Warren isn’t up there to speak out against homosexuality or push the pro-life issue. Sometimes we all get caught up so much in demonizing the other side that we don’t see the forest from the trees.”
“Just because Rick Warren supports Proposition 8 doesn’t mean his prayer for Obama isn’t sincere. Just because Warren prays for Obama at his inauguration doesn’t mean he marginalizes the pro-life agenda,” Brody argued.
Rev. Warren will not be the only clergyman at the January 20 inauguration. Civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery will deliver the benediction to close the inauguration ceremony.
Rev. Warren’s invocation will follow a call to order and welcoming remarks by Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California. The invocation will be followed by a performance from Aretha Franklin.
During the inauguration, Associate Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens will swear in former Sen. Joseph Biden as the United States’ first Catholic vice-president.
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Obama himself will be sworn in by John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Musical performers at the inauguration will include the United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters,” cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman. Poet Elizabeth Alexander will also present a poem.