Louie Giglio to Pray at 2013 Inauguration

Two guests have been invited by President Obama and the Presidential Inaugural Committee to pray at the 2013 inauguration. One of them is Louie Giglio, founder and leader of the Passion Conference (i.e. the one held in Atlanta last week). Interesting choice, and interesting reason given for the choice.

Quote below is from The Washington Post:

The benediction will be given by conservative evangelical pastor Louie Giglio, founder of the student-focused Passion Conferences, which draw tens of thousands of people to events around the world.

The contrasting choice of speakers are typical of a president who has walked a sometimes complicated path when it comes to religion — working to be inclusive to the point that critics at times have questioned his faith.

In a statement released by the inaugural committee, the president said the careers of Evers-Williams and Giglio “reflect the ideals that the Vice President and I continue to pursue for all Americans – justice, equality and opportunity.”. . .

An inaugural official said Giglio was picked for the benediction in part because of his work raising awareness about modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Those were core issues at his most recent conference, Passion 2013, attended by more than 60,000 mostly young evangelicals in Atlanta.

“During these days it is essential for our nation to stand together as one,” Giglio said in a statement. “And, as always, it is the right time to humble ourselves before our Maker.”

 Hat Tip: Denny Burk 


Update 1/10/13 - Giglio dropped himself from program because of of controversy over his Biblical stand on homosexuality. Our culture continues to rebel against God!