Stricherz also challenged Miller's quote that claimed Rick Warren invited Soulforce to Saddleback. The article drew the response of Southern Baptist Pastor Rick Warren himself...What makes Miller’s story unique, however, is not its one sidedness. It’s the presentation of reality from only one interest group on that side: SoulForce.
(You) were correct in assuming Newsweek quoted a Soul Force press release headline that was 100% false. We did not invite this group and I will not be meeting with them. They invited themselves to draw attention to their cross country publicity stunt.
My staff has already told them that neither my wife nor I will meet with them for any discussion or debate. This weekend, both Kay and I are receiving awards from two different universities so we’ll be out of town! Also, it’s Father’s Day and I’m spending the holiday with my children and grandchildren, as are all my staff.
Rick Warren
Saddleback Church
Well, that certainly sounds like America's Pastor is setting the record straight. However, Watcher's Lamp has a follow up for Pastor Warren:
Dear Pastor Warren,
Are you not ultimately responsible for the activities of Saddleback Church? For Soulforce to attend a service at Saddleback is their choice. . .as it is for any individual in America.
However, setting the table for a sit-down meal for dialogue on Monday is now outside the realm of attending church on Sunday.
From Proud Parenting.com: Gay dads celebrate Father’s Day with Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life”
This Father’s Day, a group of LGBT ( ed. note Lesbian Gay BisexualTransgender) and straight-ally families will spend their holiday in a way that is both extraordinary and profoundly commonplace: they will attend services at Saddleback Church, the mega-church founded by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.
The following day, the families will join leaders from Saddleback Church for
a private meal and conversation.
You may be out of town this weekend, but as former CEO’s have found out the hard way. . .you are still responsible for what goes on at your Church, whether you are physically present or not.
Providing that as an excuse, Pastor Warren, seems out of character for such a man who travels in global circles.
You’re certainly going out of your way to make this group feel welcome. Will you or your staff present the scandal of The Cross during this two day event?
See related article: Rick Warren: Playing Both Sides of the Gay Agenda , Saddleback Set To Entertain Gay Activists , Christian Leader Pays For Speaking Out Against Rick Warren
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Well at least he refused to meet with them. For as much as Rick likes to dialogue, that's a big step for him. :-\
ReplyDeleteBut you're right, this way he can say they didn't completely refuse. It's his 'brilliant' way of straddling the fence, which he has turned into an art form.