President Barack Obama

Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44^th president of the United States on January 20^th, 2009.President-elect Obama has chosen Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. This decision by Barack Obama has sparked controversy among some of his liberal supporters.

Much of the criticism of Barack Obama for having Pastor Rick Warren preside at the inauguration has come from the gay and lesbian community. As an evangelical minister, Rev.Warren holds to traditional biblical views regarding homosexuality, which leads to a perception among gay Americans that he holds discriminatory views towards them. Commentators and spokespersons within the lesbian and gay community have called on Obama to rescind his invitation to Pastor Rick Warren.

President-elect Obama has indicated that he chose Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation despite his strong disagreements with the evangelical minister on many issues, including gay rights. Obama has stated that his will seek as president to bring together Americans from across the political spectrum, including those he disagrees with. It is unlikely that Barack Obama’s comments regarding Pastor Rick Warren will end the controversy, however, this decision may improve communication between the Obama administration and evangelical Christians, who traditionally support the Republican Party.