Pro-gay Episcopal priest chosen for Inaugural benediction

The Rev. Luis León, an Episcopal priest whose church is near the White House, will deliver the benediction at the inauguration of Barack Obama, CNN reports:

The Rev. Luis León told CNN on Tuesday the White House and the Presidential Inaugural Committee invited him last week to deliver the closing prayer at the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

León pastors Saint John's Church, an Episcopal parish just across Lafayette Park from the White House, dubbed the "Church of the Presidents."

"I found out last week," he told CNN in an interview on Tuesday.

A source close to the inaugural committee confirmed León would be delivering the benediction and said a formal announcement would be coming later in the week.


The Obamas are frequent worshipers at León's church. Leon also delivered the invocation at George W. Bush's inauguration in 2005.

The HuffPost adds:


León's own parish is known for welcoming openly gay members. The church, which has openly gay, non-celibate priests and has had a gay bishop, announced this summer that it would bless same-sex partnerships and ordain transgender priests. This month, the Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal church, announced that it would also begin same-sex marriage ceremonies.

(source)