Gay activists shout down Pastor Rick Warren today in Atlanta.
Here’s the video from FOX News:
A protester shouts as Rev. Rick Warren speaks during The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church during the 2009 King Holiday Observance in Atlanta, Georgia, January 19, 2009. The protester was against Warren’s stand on gay rights. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell)
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported:
Conservative pastor Rick Warren spoke to a packed house for the annual King Day service at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday, as the upcoming inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president lent special significance to the event.
Warren, who will also speak at President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in on Tuesday, took the podium more than 2 1/2 hours into the service, saying, “This means more to me” than giving the inauguration prayer.
He praised Martin Luther King Jr. as both a model pastor and a heroic civil rights leader.
But Warren’s appearance also drew protesters who were angered that event planners invited an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage.
Several dozen gay activists gathered outside Ebenezer before the service. Two protestors made their way inside and rose to shout at Warren when he began speaking; they were escorted out to applause from many in the crowd.
Earlier, the protesters outside hoisted signs declaring: “We still have a dream. Equality.” They chanted: “Gay, straight, black or white, we demand our civil rights.”
“Rick Warren is not a voice of unity or equality,” said Jeff Schade, director of GLBTATL, which stands for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Atlanta.
Only 9% of Americans diapprove of Barack Obama inviting Pastor Rick Warren to give the Inaugural Prayer tomorrow.
John Morse protests outside Ebenzer Baptist Church in Atlanta Monday, Jan. 19, 2009. Morse was among about 100 protesters gathered outside the church where the Rev. Rick Warren gave the King Day keynote address. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
