The Obama InauguralBlog has released the lineup for the WE ARE ONE: THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, which will take place on January 18th (so soon!). Included in the lineup, besides a huge number of celebs and music artists, is the Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson giving the invocation. The press release also emphasizes again and again how “inclusive” the event will be. To wit:
The 56th Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the Opening Celebration is one of a series of inaugural events that reflect that commitment.
Reverend V. Gene Robinson of course is the first openly gay, non-celibate priest in a major Christian denomination (Episcopalian). Is this an olive branch to the gay community after Rick Warren?
Comments
anniegirl1138 — January 12, 2009
If it is it begs the question, why ask Warren in the first place when you are pretty sure it is going to ruffle feathers Just to gauge the outcry? And then offer a second tier consolation prize to the wounded if you have to?
Bob Lamm — January 12, 2009
When candidates began making noises that they might run for president in 2008, very few observers thought that Barack Obama could win the Democratic nomination and be elected president. In my view, engineering this unexpected victory made Obama or his inner circle or both a bit smug. And let's not forget that many supporters, including quite a few I know, are completely smitten.
I don't believe they anticipated the intense firestorm that would be ignited by selecting Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration. They should have, but I don't believe they did. I think they got a little accustomed to congratulating each other for their brilliance and assuming that supporters would endorse literally anything that Obama said or did.
Given that firestorm, the selection of Rev. Robinson for a prominent role at the inaugural celebration is obviously a way of reaching out to Obama supporters and others who felt betrayed by the earlier decision about Warren.