Can We?

By Dr. Pamela Lightsey

President-elect Barack Obama's decision to invite Pastor Rick Warren to give the inaugural invocation is a hard pill to swallow.  I don't like it, I don't like it, I don't like it.

 His reasoning:

"It is important for Americans to come together.  Even though we may have disagreement over certain social issues."

Partly right.  Americans do disagree.  However, LGBTQ equality is not a social issue but a quality of life issue.  It is a justice issue that strikes at the core of who we are as Americans.  This is a disagreement that demands resolution...quickly. 

Warren has done good work in other areas such as global poverty, HIV/AIDS and global warming.  Nevertheless, if ever there was a case of a fountain spewing sweet and bitter water at the same time, Rick Warren is a classic example.  His public protest against LGBTQ rights as well as his homophobic utterances taint whatever good intentions he might proclaim.

As an African American, I have learned to shield my spirit from oppression.  My foreparents refused to listen to certain biblical texts used to keep them in bondage.  Unless Warren repents prior to his prayer, I shall question not only the "preacher" but the efficaciousness of his prayer. 

So what shall we do?  It is my hope that we can come together.  How about a new approach to the inaugural invocation?  Let's do change this way: Have Warren and an LGBTQ minister give a joint invocation.

How about that for progress "toward a more perfect union"?  Should we send this suggestion to the President-elect?