"Episcopal priest chosen for inaugural benediction" (Replacing Giglio)

[KoKo]

Source: AP, Charleston Post & Courier

Jan. 16, 2013 4:22 PM ET
Episcopal priest chosen for inaugural benediction
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The pastor of the Episcopal parish known as "the church of the presidents" will give the benediction at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The Rev. Luis Leon of St. John's Church has been chosen for the honor. He replaces Atlanta megachurch pastor Louie Giglio, who withdrew from the ceremony last week after a sermon he gave years ago surfaced in which he condemned gay relationships.

A Presidential Inaugural Committee spokeswoman, Addie Whisenant, had said that the person chosen to give the prayer would reflect the administration's beliefs. The Episcopal Church blesses same-sex relationships and elects bishops who live openly with same-gender partners.

Every president since James Madison, including Obama, has attended a service at St. John's Church, which stands across from the White House on Lafayette Square. Leon is a native of Cuba who came to the United States at age 12. He delivered prayers at the 2005 inauguration of President George W. Bush.

http://hosted2.ap.org/SCCHA/fda55d2912844b5b9a3930bc5934d9c2/Article_2013-01-16-Inauguration-Pastor/id-c25bc6a27d9d4f1b9230e06f04cfff8e

Read more: AP

[markpkessinger]

1. Excellent choice

Although I had lobbied for choosing the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, a fascinating woman who was, prior to joining the clergy, an oceanographer.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katharine_Jefferts_Schori

[annabanana]

2. Good!

I applaud the change and the choice!

[Tx4obama]

3. Another good article regarding Rev. Leon with photos and video on the link below

Here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022199689

[MotherPetrie]

4. Good -- if they have to have a benediction at all, this is the least worst

[KoKo]

5. Good News...Many on DU had thought an Episcopal Priest would be a

wonderful choice. It feels good to know that the Inauguration Committee thought so too. Given the feedback about Giglio choice....it's good that they took that choice seriously for the terrible message it sent to the American People and the LBGT community.

[and-justice-for-all]

6. Even though I find the recognition of any religion in any federal government aspect offensive

and a violation of the 1st amendment, I will take the Episcopalian.

[glinda]

7. A better choice anyways.

[RebelOne]

9. As an atheist now, but being a former Episcopalian,

I applaud this choice.

[Delphinus]

8. Jeez,

I wish they would have chosen a Unitarian Universalist minister. They're pretty cool.

[obamanut2012]

10. I thought that, too

Or a Native American clergy.

[surrealAmerican]

11. I look forward to the day when a religious benediction ...

... will not be regarded as a requirement for a presidential inauguration. It seems quite inappropriate for a secular office.