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Louie Giglio Withdraws Himself from Presidential Inauguration
Louise Giglio, of Passion 2013 fame, has withdrawn himself from saying the prayer at Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration.
I wonder why?
Supposedly, he did so after being criticized for his anti-gay comments in a sermon that was dug up and promoted on the internet by who knows who. That, at least, is the report given by ABC.
In the report, Giglio, in his mid-90’s sermon, says this:
“We must lovingly but firmly respond to the aggressive agenda of not all, but of many in the homosexual community. … Underneath this issue is a very powerful and aggressive moment. That movement is not a benevolent movement, it is a movement to seize by any means necessary the feeling and the mood of the day, to the point where the homosexual lifestyle becomes accepted as a norm in our society and is given full standing as any other lifestyle, as it relates to family.”
You know what? Louie backed out of this inaugural himself. He did so because he was criticized by those who are pro-gay.
I could be wrong, but sounds like cowardice to me.
He spoke a great truth declaring that homosexuality is a sin. Yet, amidst pressure from external politically correct forces, and who knows what else, this man has shown his metal – which is soft, polluted clay.
A man, allegedly called of God, and put into such a profoundly influential position, opportunely to declare the sovereignty of God and His hatred of sin has – voluntarily, mind you – shirked his responsibility and withdrawn into the shadows where he thinks he sees and will have safety – from the world and ruination of his career.
Regardless, Louie has released a statement on his withdrawal:
I am honored to be invited by the President to give the benediction at the upcoming inaugural on January 21. Though the President and I do not agree on every issue, we have fashioned a friendship around common goals and ideals, most notably, ending slavery in all its forms.
Due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration. Clearly, speaking on this issue has not been in the range of my priorities in the past fifteen years. Instead, my aim has been to call people to ultimate significance as we make much of Jesus Christ.
Neither I, nor our team, feel it best serves the core message and goals we are seeking to accomplish to be in a fight on an issue not of our choosing, thus I respectfully withdraw my acceptance of the President’s invitation. I will continue to pray regularly for the President, and urge the nation to do so. I will most certainly pray for him on Inauguration Day.
Our nation is deeply divided and hurting, and more than ever need God’s grace and mercy in our time of need. (HT: ReligionDispatches)
God is watching, Louie.
5 Pt. Salt 
I think one can re track their past comments. You can still stand there and pray without it being about a sermon from 15 years ago. While I don’t agree with the sermon I think he withdrew too quickly.