Catholic League president, Bill Donohue has attacked outspoken gay Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson's role in next week's presidential inauguration, calling him "the most polarizing person in the Episcopal Church."The Los Angeles Times reports that after angering gay rights supporters with the choice of evangelist Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama has chosen the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church to pray at the kickoff event for the inaugural festivities this Sunday.
Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who advised Obama on gay rights issues during the campaign, is set to deliver the invocation at an event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial two days before the swearing-in ceremony, aides to Obama said Monday.
Many gay rights activists and other liberal-interest groups were infuriated by the prominent role Obama has given to Warren.
The pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest and best-selling author of inspirational books supported California's successful Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage.
To social conservatives, the choice of Robinson was a reminder of their considerable differences with Obama's politics.
Robinson has become a well-known figure around the world in the debate over gay rights. His consecration as a bishop six years ago set in motion a widening rift in the worldwide Anglican Communion.
When Warren was invited to pray at the Jan. 20 inauguration, Robinson called the decision a "slap in the face." On Monday, though, Robinson lauded what he called Obama's commitment to inclusiveness.
"It's important for any minority to see themselves as represented in some way, whether it be a racial minority, an ethnic minority or, in our case, a sexual minority," Robinson told his hometown newspaper, the Concord Monitor in New Hampshire.
The appearance of both clergymen in the inaugural programs reflects Obama's impulse to acknowledge disparate points on the political spectrum. It also highlights the difficult line Obama is trying to tread as he shares the stage with leaders with differing views.
Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council, said, "I find it kind of ironic that some were adamantly opposed to Rick Warren because he was 'divisive.' If you want to talk about somebody that is divisive, look at Gene Robinson. He essentially split one of the oldest Christian denominations in this country."
Robinson, 61, endorsed Obama in 2007, causing some to wag their fingers at the clergyman for mixing religion and politics.
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