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Rev. Warren References MLK in Invocation

Obama's pick sparked gay-rights controversy

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2009 10:58 AM CST

(Newser) – Offering the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration, Rev. Rick Warren called the moment “a hinge-point in history: the first inauguration of an African American as the 44th president.” The controversial pastor added, “We know that today Dr King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.” Following his speech, Aretha Franklin belted out My Country ‘Tis of Thee.

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The Rev. Rick Warren delivers the King Day keynote address at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Monday, Jan. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Warren's speech sparks protests outside Ebenzer Baptist Church in Atlanta Monday, Jan. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren delivers a speech on Dec. 20, 2008. (AP Photo)

The Rev. Rick Warren, of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., gives the invocation as President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, left, bow their heads during swearing-in ceremonies. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

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Pastor Rick Warren delivers the opening prayer for the inauguration ceremony. (CNN Video)

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Rev. Warren References MLK in Invocation