Back in October 2007, I walked a silent picket line in front of a concert venue in Columbia, South Carolina. Donnie McClurkin – a so-called “former homosexual” – was performing at a fundraising event for then Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. McClurkin’s inclusion in the event had enraged gay and lesbian activists who felt betrayed by Obama – who had then claimed, and continues to claim to be a “fervent advocate for gay and lesbian rights.”
The Obama campaign extended a fig leaf by inviting a gay pastor to give the invocation at the event. That pastor was Rev. Andy Sidden, my boss – the senior pastor at Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, South Carolina. Rev. Sidden was politely received by the crowd – but still drew the ire of some within the gay and lesbian community for “selling out” and serving as Obama’s cover for this travesty being perpetrated against us. Rev. Sidden, who is a big fan of Obama, was thrilled at the invitation and didn’t see his invitation a lame attempt to rectify and obvious slight, but instead used his prayer time to try to heal the situation and reach out to those who may want to vilify our community.
The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire, finds himself in a similar situation today. The bishop, whose election has stirred controversy and schism within the wider Anglican Church, has been asked by Obama’s inauguration team to pray at the opening event of the Inaugural Week activities.
The “We are One” celebration will be held Sunday, January 18 at the Lincoln Memorial.
Robinson is positive about his invitation saying “an indication of the new president’s commitment to being the President of ALL the people. I am humbled and overjoyed at this invitation, and it will be my great honor to be there representing the Episcopal Church, the people of New Hampshire, and all of us in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.”
Robinson’s selection comes on the heels of the announcement that Rev. Sharon Watkins, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be the first woman preacher for the January 21st National Prayer Service.
Skeptics in our community will again accuse Obama of wanting to have it both ways – coddling and exalting homophobes while offering only symbolic gestures to faith leaders in our community. It certainly seems that way when Rick Warren’s honor comes before Bishop Robinson and Rev. Watkins. However, Obama has offered a very large platform and a very large opportunity to both Bishop Robinson and Rev. Watkins. Like Rev. Sidden before them – they have a chance to show America what it’s like to be a faithful Christian in a pluralistic society.
Robinson, 61, said both Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will attend the event, and Obama is expected to speak. As for himself, Robinson said he doesn’t yet know what he’ll say, but he knows he won’t use a Bible.
“While that is a holy and sacred text to me, it is not for many Americans,” Robinson said. “I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer. This is a prayer for the whole nation.”
Robinson said his prayer will be reflective of the times.
“I think these are sober and difficult times that we are facing,” he said. “It won’t be a happy, clappy prayer.”
It will be interesting to see the contrast between Warren and Bishop Robinson and the witness it creates for our nation. While Warren’s followers wring their hands over whether or not his prayer will be “Christian enough” and invoke the name of Jesus – Robinson is looking toward healing for a hurting and suffering nation. That is the mark of a good pastor.
