==Controversy==
*While inviting a [[Christian]] to give an inaugural prayer is not so controversial, the [[gay]] community is in an uproar over the invite to [[evangelical]] pastor [[Rick Warren]]. Pastor Warren voted for [[Prop Proposition 8]] in his home state of [[California]]. <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BH7DR20081218 Obama's next pastor controversy - at inauguration] Reuters, December 18, 2008</ref>
*Rev. Sharon Watkins of [[Protestant]] Christian denomination gave an an opening prayer. She is the first female pastor to give an inaugural prayer. <ref>[http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-obama-prayer-service,0,7764780.story Female minister to deliver sermon at inaugural prayer service, a first] AP, January 11, 2009</ref>