Rev. Andy Sidden Joins Obama Concert in SC
WASHINGTON (AP) — In response to an uproar from gay activists, Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign on Wednesday added a gay minister to the lineup for its weekend gospel tour.
Gay activists had criticized Obama's "Embrace the Change" tour in South Carolina because the performers included gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, who says homosexuality is a choice.
Obama's campaign invited Rev. Andy Sidden, a South Carolina pastor who is openly gay, to appear on Sunday in Columbia. Obama discussed Sidden's inclusion Thursday with Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, which supports gay rights.
In a statement, Solmonese said he thanked Obama for including Sidden but told the Illinois senator he was disappointed McClurkin will remain part of the program.
I've worshipped at Rev. Sidden's church - Garden of Grace United Church of Christ - and deeply appreciate his leadership in South Carolina. We had a chance to talk on the phone last night and it reminded me again of how proud I am to have Andy as a colleague.
