Pastor Rick Loves Gays

Or so he says in a series of videos on his megachurch’s Web site. Among other highlights, Warren blames bloggers and talk radio for stirring up the controversy around his forthcoming inauguration prayer.

While the Internet is no stranger to vitriol, the good pastor can thank his own obtuse comments and the gays who were offended by them for this particular controversy. We don’t make the homophobia. We just report it.

Rick Warren via YouTube:

Boston Globe:

Noting that he has been accused of comparing homosexuality to incest and pedophilia (based on an interview he gave to Beliefnet), he says in the video, “I believe no such thing.’’ He reiterated his opposition to same sex marriage, but said he is in agreement with “the view of the vast majority of the world and the vast majority of religions.’‘

“Free speech has to be free speech for everybody,’’ he says. “Some people feel today if you disagree with them that’s hate speech…I’m neither afraid of gays, nor do I hate gays. In fact, I love them, but I do disagree with some of their beliefs, and I have that constitutional right.’‘

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