Anti-gay Pastor Louie Giglio drops out of inauguration

Rev. Louie Giglio Rev. Louie Giglio has withdrawn from giving the benediction at President Barack Obama's inauguration, saying in a statement that "Due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration." That message, which Giglio insists "has not been in the range of my priorities in the past fifteen years"? Virulently anti-gay.

... homosexuality is not just a sexual preference homosexuality is not gay, but homosexuality is sin. It is sin in the eyes of God, and it is sin according to the word of God.

And the only way out of a homosexual lifestyle, the only way out of a relationship that has been engrained over years of time, is through the healing power of Jesus.

No, not a message or messenger we want at the inauguration. Addie Whisenant of the Presidential Inaugural Committee said in a statement:

We were not aware of Pastor Giglio's past comments at the time of his selection and they don't reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this Inaugural. Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part for his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration's vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans.

It is good to see that acknowledgement that Giglio doesn't represent a vision of inclusion and acceptance.

(For more discussion, check out cooper888's diary.)