Robinson Saves the Day

One of my post-election resolutions was to not be disappointed in the Obama presidency until he was actually president. Certain cabinet appointments and rhetorical strategies sorely tested my resolve, but I remained steadfast. Then came Rick Warren, and I joined the ranks of the "outraged left wing of the Democratic Party" who were appalled that a homophobic anti-choice jackass was asked to be the nation's spiritual figurehead.

So I find this news to be rather thrilling.

I am writing to tell you that President-Elect Obama and the Inaugural Committee have invited me to give the invocation at the opening event of the Inaugural Week activities, “We are One,” to be held at the Lincoln Memorial, Sunday, January 18, at 2:00 pm. It will be an enormous honor to offer prayers for the country and the new president, standing on the holy ground where the “I have a dream speech” was delivered by Dr. King, surrounded by the inspiring and reconciling words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It is also 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.

+Gene [Robinson, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire]

I still find the presence of Rick Warren at the inauguration to be offensive, and Obama's defense of Warren both weasely and troubling. But I had worried that Obama thought it enough to simply have a few mildly pro-gay ministers sprinkled around, rather than an actual queer human being. Bishop Robinson is an effective and outspoken representative of the gay community, and is by no means a safe choice--he's used to being a symbolic figurehead, and doesn't shy away from the challenge. So, bravo, Mr. President Elect. (For now.)