General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPro-LGBT Episcopal Priest Chosen To Deliver Benediction At Obama Inauguration
A pro-LGBT Episcopal priest has just been chosen to deliver the benediction at President Barack Obamas second inauguration, after another priest withdrew when his extremely anti-gay sermon was discovered. Reverend Dr. Luis León, fourteenth Rector of St. Johns Church in Washington, D.C., will replace Rev. Louie Giglio of Atlanta, Georgia. Reverend León delivered the invocation at President George W. Bushs 2005 inauguration, and both the Bush family and the Obama family have attended his church.
Leons own parish is known for welcoming openly gay members, The Huffington Post reports:
The church, which has openly gay, non-celibate priests and has had a gay bishop, announced this summer that it would bless same-sex partnerships and ordain transgender priests. This month, the Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal church, announced that it would also begin same-sex marriage ceremonies.
In this 2009 video, Reverend Dr. Luis León speaks in support of marriage equality, and says diversity may be the hardest thing to live with, but it is also the most dangerous to live without.
Ill be doing it, said Leon, who declined to elaborate until the news was officially announced. A source close to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, speaking on background because the news had not been announced, confirmed the selection of Leon to The Huffington Post. The source said the official announcement would be made in coming days. The selection was first reported by CNN.
Reverend Dr. Luis León more closely represents the Obama administrations policies, as the Presidential Inaugural Committee had promised when it announced Pastor Giglio removed his name from consideration.
Leon began his spiritual journey when he was baptized into the Episcopal Church in Guantanamo, Cuba, Huffington Post added. In 1961, when he was 12 years old, he came to the U.S. on the Operation Peter Pan flights out of Cuba, joining thousands of children whose parents feared for their future in Cuba. When he arrived in America he was supported by the Episcopal Church in Miami.
more
Behind the Aegis
(53,987 posts)trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)RKP5637
(67,112 posts)AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)Ah well. One rec and a merry kick will do. Thank you for doing the right thing, Mr. President.
Kablooie
(18,641 posts)and do things he thinks are right instead of what's politically acceptable.
This, plus his new gun regulation stance may indicate we've finally got the president we voted for back in '08.
zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)Not sure what you consider "flexing his muscles". This is his second choice for a preacher, the first one being another gay hating jerk. And be honest, he's merely being opportunistic on the gun issue. Not sure this action is any indication of a move to the left. We still get noise about elevated retirement ages out of this administration, the GOP is just too stupid to take him up on it. And he just signed a significant extension of security authorization dating back to the Bush days. Not sure Lew qualifies as a particularly progressive appointment either. Looks alot like more of the same really.
ReRe
(10,597 posts)... I do think he has turned a corner, and none too soon.
Cha
(297,655 posts)Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)to bitch LOUDLY about the President's first choice, I'll say a big kudos to the President and his staff for this one.
FreeState
(10,580 posts)HappyMe
(20,277 posts)I love what Rev. Leon says about diversity.
MadrasT
(7,237 posts)If they have to bring religion into the mix.
trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)dbackjon
(6,578 posts)Better late than never, and an excellent choice, but remember, he did pick multiple anti-gay bigots in both inaguarations first.
trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)beachgirl2365
(111 posts)wryter2000
(46,081 posts)I also belong to a welcoming and affirming congregation. At the request of our rector, I'm currently writing a hymn about diversity specifically including our LGBT members.
allan01
(1,950 posts)Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)wryter2000
(46,081 posts)I can't believe they screwed it up again after Rick Warren.
Smilo
(1,944 posts)this will make the baggers' head spin - a Cuban, pro-LGBT rights and all round good man who Bush was okay with. He, he, he.
Zorra
(27,670 posts)whenever necessary, even when they are on our side.