The Presidential Inauguration Committee announced Tuesday that President Obama has selected Pastor Louie Giglio of the Georgia-based Passion 
City Church to deliver the benediction for his second inauguration.
Think Progress discovered that the preacher gave a vicious anti-gay sermon and supports “pray away the gay” cures for homosexuality. The New York Times covered the controversy today. Here is Truth Wins Out’s statement:
“I am incredibly frustrated and disappointed that our political allies fail to offer such prominent platforms to progressive clergy who clearly need to have their public profiles elevated. Is there not one progressive preacher in this country of 300 million Americans the president could have chosen?
“It’s always our side that engages in unreciprocated ‘bridge building’ when we should use such opportunities to express and promote our values. It’s unfathomable, for example, that Mitt Romney would have chosen Bishop Gene Robinson to give a sermon at his inauguration. This is another lost opportunity and a slap in the face to progressive faith leaders. It’s a shame we consistently squander situations where we could highlight more enlightened religious views.”
“It is imperative that Giglio clarify his remarks and explain whether he has evolved on gay rights, like so many other faith and political leaders. It would be a shame to select a preacher with backward views on LGBT people at a moment when the nation is rapidly moving forward on our issues.”
Seriously President Obama–you couldn’t do better than this?
With the separation of church and state, why is there ANY INVOCATION?
Jefferson, Mason, and Paine are turning over in their graves.
When Obama’s black Harvard pal Henry Louis Gates Jr. felt disrespected by the police, Obama stopped the business of the entire country to intervene yet he has no qualms about disrespecting every gay person in the country with his embrace of yet another homophobic preacher at his Inauguration.
Did President Obama know Henry L Gates before the incident you are citing?
Just read where the good reverend has withdrawn. Of course, it’s our fault that he did. But he made sure that he looks generous and humble while removing himself.
“But he made sure that he looks generous and humble while removing himself.”
Actually, if you read his press release, he presents himself as a snotty, bitchy little weasel…
Yes:
Here is our statement:
“We applaud the president for removing a divisive figure who would have cast a shadow over the inauguration ceremony. We hope he uses this opportunity to choose a progressive faith leader who values inclusion for all Americans.”
“It is still baffling that Giglio was chosen in the first place. We are confident that with a concerted effort the president can complete the Herculean task of finding a preacher that doesn’t disdain LGBT people.”
Well put Wayne. There is little room left in the public domain for pious pontificating dark souls. We’re leveling the playing field day by day.
And yet the gay establishment supports Chuck Hagel, as do I, but still….
Truther, not sure what one has to do with the other.
I am just so happy that in my lifetime I am finally seeing bigots and bullies masquerading as Christians exposed to a society that has evolved… Homophobic rhetoric doesn’t fly anymore. It’s about time.
Why don’t they ask someone like Tony Campolo? Tony and his wife Peggy have a wonderful ministry. Tony did Bill Clinton’s inauguration church service. The Campolos are two of the most diverse individuals I have ever met. Check them out.
Tony Campolo believes that the Bible forbids homosexuality and that gay people should remain celibate. If there’s a dime’s worth of difference between Tony Campolo and Louie Giglio, then that’s one mighty thin dime. Barack Obama needs to understand that if you troll for Christian evangelicals, you’re going to snag a bigot. Stay away from them.
Truther:
I think there are many LGBT people, such as myself, that want to learn more about where Hagel is today before we express our support. I found his apology shallow and insincere — as if it was written by a low grade staffer. Hagel needs to clarify his position.
The problem here was that the inauguration committee only took a very cursory look at the Rev. – they saw “combatting sex trafficking” and went oh, goody, we found an evangelical who isn’t a complete whack job aka Bryan Fisher or making anti-gay comments on national TV as per Rick Warren. However, even a cursory review would have revealed that the Rev. preachers the kinder, gentler gay message one hears from Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis, Ron Sider and other quasi-progressives – you know the whole I love gay people but marriage is between a man and a woman. In this context maybe a gay man can serve in the churh as long as he remains celibate. (Emphasis on male pronouns as lesbianism is never discussed here nor are bisexual or transgender individuals.). Hell, I emailed one buddy in Atlanta where he’s based to get his read and he went WTF?? Not hard to do.
If I had to nominate someone to give the prayer it would Rev. Emily C Heath. She gets the inclusive message. I’d give you all the particulars of her amazing points of view but that would spoil the fun of searching. :)
[...] of gay lifestyles. Expressing frustration with Obama’s choice of clergy, Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out, a website devoted to fighting anti-gay religious extremism, [...]
Keep up your war against the church, all you’ll do is make a revival break out. God luck