Peter J. Gomes, the guy that should’ve gave the invocation at Obama’s inauguration. While I don’t agree with the choice to have prayers at state events (separation of church and state, y’all), this guy would’ve been the perfect choice.  Why?  He’s not only a black Baptist minister, he’s also really smart (Harvard educated), friends with Massachusetts governor (and Obama friend Deval Patrick), and gay.  It’s like combining Evangelical megachurch pastor (and general asshole) Rick Warren, gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson (whose invocation at the We Are One concert was not aired), and black Methodist preacher and civil rights leader Joseph Lowery in one person.  Like Barack Obama, Gomes embodies so many contradictions, it makes your head spin. It would’ve been amazing, and very fitting.
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Peter J. Gomes, the guy that should’ve gave the invocation at Obama’s inauguration.

While I don’t agree with the choice to have prayers at state events (separation of church and state, y’all), this guy would’ve been the perfect choice.  Why?  He’s not only a black Baptist minister, he’s also really smart (Harvard educated), friends with Massachusetts governor (and Obama friend Deval Patrick), and gay.  It’s like combining Evangelical megachurch pastor (and general asshole) Rick Warren, gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson (whose invocation at the We Are One concert was not aired), and black Methodist preacher and civil rights leader Joseph Lowery in one person.  Like Barack Obama, Gomes embodies so many contradictions, it makes your head spin. It would’ve been amazing, and very fitting.

Source: news-service.stanford.edu