Evangelical Church (Saddleback Church) Defends Obama Invitation
By Eric Kleefeld | bio
Yesterday Election Central brought you the news that leaders of the Christian right were assailing Evangelical superstar Rick Warren for inviting the pro-choice Barack Obama to appear at Warren's Saddleback Valley Community Church. Today, Warren and Saddleback have responded in a statement to the roar of criticism, and they are defending Obama's appearance. Key quote:
While knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, the speakers at the Summit do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of Saddleback Church, its pastoral leadership or the congregation. As a result, we're not making an endorsement of Obama or any of the other speakers. Rather by coming to Saddleback, the Summit speakers are affirming and supporting the vital role of the Church in fighting the pandemic of HIV/AIDS.
In fact, the following disclaimer is printed at the front of the Summit syllabus: "We do not endorse everything every speaker might say. With nearly 60 speakers representing different backgrounds and expertise, you'll undoubtedly hear statements you disagree with. We will, too. Each speaker represents himself or herself, not Saddleback Church or the Purpose Driven Network."
Obama was invited to share his views on AIDS, not abortion or any other issue. And he is not speaking to the Saddleback congregation, but rather to a conference comprised of ministry leaders, social workers and health professionals all gathered to focus on this one topic – the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Let it be made very clear that Pastor Warren and Saddleback Church completely disagree with Obama's views on abortion and other positions he has taken, and have told him so in a public meeting on Capitol Hill.
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