Photo from Episcopal Life, courtesy of HBO

The firestorm in the blogosphere about Bishop Gene Robinson’s invocation at the inaugural kickoff “We are One” concert just won’t quit. The most recent point of contention is why Bishop Robinson’s prayer was not broadcast on HBO–or even heard on NPR for that matter.

The latest news I can get my hands on indicates that the entire concert, including Bishop Robinson’s speech, will be played on those huge outdoor TV screens on Tuesday morning to entertain everyone who gathers in the Washington Mall before the Inauguration ceremony itself. If this is meant as an apology, I have a feeling it’s not going to satisfy anyone. Why invite the man if you’re not going to let him be heard? Could it really be a simple oversight or technical error, given the incredibly high-wattage, celebrity-filled, professionally-produced nature of this event? At the very least it seems to me a…

Photo of Bishop Robinson courtesy of the BBC

I received an email about this and went onto Episcopal Cafe to check it out, where I learned it’s all over the Internet. The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, will give the invocation at the opening event of the Inaugural Week activities on Sunday, January 18, at the Lincoln Memorial. Part of an email reportedly sent out by Bishop Robinson states:

It will be an enormous honor to offer prayers for the country and the new president, standing on the holy ground where the “I have a dream speech” was delivered by Dr. King, surrounded by the inspiring and reconciling words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It is also an indication of the new president’s commitment to being the President of ALL the people. I am humbled and overjoyed at this invitation, and it will be my great honor to be there…