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Pastor Warren: Some of My Best Friends Are Gay

But has compared gay marriage to incest, polygamy, child abuse

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 21, 2008 12:37 PM CST
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(Newser) – Pastor Rick Warren "loves gays and straights," he said yesterday, in response to the uproar  his invitation to Barack Obama's inaugural invocation sparked among gay rights groups. In a speech to the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Warren emphasized that he has "many gay friends" and has "eaten dinner in gay homes," the AP reports.

Warren, who has previously likened gay marriage to incest, child abuse, and polygamy, highlighted his new friendship with lesbian singer Melissa Etheridge, who performed earlier in the evening. "You don't have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand," said the pastor, who also pledged his love for people of all religions and political views.

In this Aug. 16, 2008 file photo, then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama joins Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, for a discussion on moral issues.
In this Aug. 16, 2008 file photo, then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama joins Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, for a discussion on moral issues.   (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)
Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren delivers a speech during the 8th Annual Convention of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Long Beach, California on Saturday Dec. 20, 2008.
Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren delivers a speech during the 8th Annual Convention of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Long Beach, California on Saturday Dec. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Hector Mata)
Under fire for opposing gay marriage, Rick Warren said Saturday that he loves Muslims, people of other religions, Republicans and Democrats, and he also loves gays and straights.
Under fire for opposing gay marriage, Rick Warren said Saturday that he loves Muslims, people of other religions, Republicans and Democrats, and he also loves "gays and straights."   (AP Photo/Hector Mata)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Dec 21, 2008 5:37 AM CST
After previous statements, anything he has to say now about "loving gays and straights" and eating meals in gay homes is to late. Is this his way of trying to redeem himself in the public eye? This brings a whole new meaning to the term, "hypocrisy:
Zebraone
Dec 21, 2008 4:13 AM CST
OOOH! What you said!!!
Thinker
Dec 21, 2008 3:26 AM CST
Warren is a horrible, hypocritical pig. Anyone with knowledge of the Bible should see right through him. Gluttonous, war-mongering, rich and hate-filled, Warren is the exact opposite of Jesus Christ. Why do Christians continue to allow themselves to be led astray?

Warren brings Muslim group to its feet
Los Angeles Times

We can disagree without drama
Indianapolis Star

Pray for the spirit of cooperation
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

US

 
Barack Obama • gay marriage • inauguration • Rick Warren • Saddleback Church • Melissa Etheridge • Bill Maher Grid

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