Liberal Group Slams Inauguration Invite for Rick Warren

Liberal action group People For the American Way said it is a “grave disappointment” that California Rev. Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at President-elect Obama’s inauguration.

The Obama transition team announced Wednesday that Warren, who hosted a forum during the presidential campaign at his Saddleback Church in California, would be the pastor to give the traditional blessing during the inauguration.

“It is a grave disappointment to learn that pastor Rick Warren will give the invocation at the inauguration of Barack Obama,” said People For the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert.

Kolbert hit Warren for opposing abortion rights, and accused him of echoing the Religious Right on gay marriage and teachings regarding the “social gospel.”

“But the sad truth is that this decision further elevates someone who has in recent weeks actively promoted legalized discrimination and denigrated the lives and relationships of millions of Americans,” Kolbert said. “Rick Warren gets plenty of attention through his books and media appearances. He doesn