I have never understood why the state or federal government has anything to say or do with marriage. Marriage should be, and is, a union blessed and perfected by God. Government officials have no right to say what is and isn't a legitimate marriage. Marriage should be returned to a strictly spiritual/religious decision and fall squarely as a responsibility of the spiritual authority of your congregation/denomination/church.

Followers of Christ would be so much more effective in their witness if we untangled our relationship with government, gave up the fantasy that this was a "christian nation", and realized that you can not legislate morality. Our responsibility as those seeking God is to get into life with people, one on one, and show them a Living God, not to vote from a distance for those we think "share our values" and think that this will have any effect on a persons life or salvation.

In regaurds to ex-gays still having "feelings" I can attest to that but it is no different than an ex-rapist or ex-child molestor or ex- murderer they are still responsible for there actions. God never said we would think and feel perfectly but he expects us to strive to be perfect in our actions. Part of that striving would be to flee sexual immorality and yes homosexuality is included in that. Just because I have a desire to do something that doesn't make it right to do it.

While it is easy to turn down the opportunity based on our moral stances, it is an opportunity for the prophet to be able to minister in a powerful way as one standing in the gap for the leader of the free world and for our nation.

I did not vote for Obama, even though I am African American. I am avidly pro-life and pro-heterosexual marriage. However, just as Billy Graham prayed over Clinton, although disagreeing with him ,prophetically stated "those who sow to wind will reap the whirlwind" in his prayer. We aren't called to just those we agree with...Paul told the Romans to pray for Nero!!!

Rick Warren has the ear of the nation. He has an incredible opportunity to be light and salt to a world wide stage.

JoeAllen,

Here is the bottom line. God does not care if a person "feels" homosexual. We are responsible for our sin. No matter if it is nature or nurture or preference. We are responsible for our own sin. A Christian (homosexual or otherwise) is supposed to control his/her flesh and sinful desires.

Furthermore, it doesn't matter if Alan Chambers has urges. That is his battle. He doesn't speak for all ex-homosexuals. I know a few who say they have no urges. Either way - gay, straight, bi, etc - we are responsible for our sin. And just because you don't have any proof does not mean there is not proof available.

I believe that God delivers some homosexuals wholly and others may have to struggle. God is not a cookie-cutter God. He does things as He wills.

A defining event for Pastor Rick as he faces down one of the most powerful liberal lobbies in US politics. But to stand for what is right in God's eyes is a more powerful stance. Many giants have fallen to the God of grace and truth as we bible believing Christians know. Being a member of Saddleback and knowing Pastor Rick Warren from a distance, he's not going to compromise his message or what he believes which is biblically based Christianity. Will be pronounce judgment on the LGBT community like many evangelicals would do by either boycotting or saying it outright ? Nope, not going to happen; he understands that the sin in his life is no different than the sin in a LGBT person's life in God's eyes. In the end, our salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is all we got and it's more than enough. Instead of condemning, pray for Rick Warren, that our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father will be glorified in stark contrast to those who sponsor and attend this event. It's what Rick Warren wants.

I prayed for Obama deeply on the day of his election. It is so important that a candidate for change only change the things that need changing. A candidate for change can really mess things up if he isn't careful. It is a high stakes situation, but I know God can work with much of our government to positive change.

Is it ok to pray that someone else prays right? That sounds odd, but it something to think about. Warren will be speaking to people in addition to God, so it would be good for him to be an enlightening individual.