Inauguration concert cuts Bishop’s comments

Monday, 19th January 2009
By George Conger

The Bishop of New Hampshire disappeared from America’s television screens on Sunday as the live broadcast of President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural festivities omitted the opening prayers of Bishop Gene Robinson.

A long-time supporter and active campaigner of President-elect Obama, Bishop Robinson had been invited by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to give a prayer at the inaugural concert. The invitation came after activists protested Obama’s selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation at the president’s swearing-in ceremony.

The slight of Bishop Robinson --- whether accidental or deliberate --- will likely enrage those on the left unhappy with the Obama team’s move to the political centre. Gay activists had charged the Obama campaign with treachery for having solicited their support during the election, but dumping them once victory was in hand. The selection of Rick Warren was especially galling as the California Baptist had been a vocal supporter of Proposition 8 --- the state initiative that overturned the California Supreme Court’s legalization of gay marriage. the rest