The founder of Saddleback Church defended his invitation from President-elect Barack Obama to make the invocation Jan. 20 and professed his love for Muslims, people of other religions, Republicans and Democrats, and yes, "gays and straights."

"Three years ago I took enormous heat for inviting Barack Obama to my church because some of his views don't agree (with mine)," he said. "Now he's invited me."

Warren also drew similarities between himself and the soon-to-be 44th president.

Warren said he prays for the same things for Obama that he prays for himself: integrity, humility and generosity.

Before a Saturday speech, Warren also talked about singer Melissa Etheridge, who performed earlier in the evening. Warren said the two had a "wonderful conversation" and that he is a huge fan who has all her albums.

But Warren's gay acquaintances aside, the 54-year-old pastor continues to incite controversy with his anti-gay remarks.

During his interview with Ann Curry on NBC’s Dateline, the evangelical preacher likened gays to pedophiles.

"I have many gay friends. I've eaten dinner in gay homes. No church has probably done more for people with AIDS than Saddleback Church," he said in a recent interview with BeliefNet. But later in the interview, he compared the "redefinition of marriage" to include gay marriage to legitimizing incest, child abuse, and polygamy.

The first openly gay member of Congress said Sunday it was a mistake for Obama to invite Warren.

"Mr. Warren compared same-sex couples to incest. I found that deeply offensive and unfair," Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said in a broadcast interview.

Wire services contributed to this report.