Cameron Strang changed his mind and canceled his appearance at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.  He earlier accepted the invitation to offer a benediction at the end of the first session.

Strang apparently is well-regarded among charismatic and Pentecostal Christians, and is the editor of a magazine called Relevant.  His father established Charisma magazine, and has endorsed John McCain in the presidential election.  Cameron, the son, was registered as a Republican when initially invited to pray among the Democrats, but since has changed his registration to Independent.  He states that he currently is undecided about his vote.

When he accepted the invitation, he felt it was an opportunity “to pray in a forum where faith isn’t typically emphasized,” and to demonstrate that his generation of believers (he’s 32 years old) isn’t caught up in establishing “political battle lines” when reflecting on important issues of the day.  His discovery that he would be on the main stage on the first night gave him “serious pause.”

The convention will feature an unusual emphasis on diverse faith traditions, presenting a variety of religious leaders to offer prayers.

At this point I don’t know what the Republicans have in mind for their convention regarding nods to religion and prayer.  I am somewhat skeptical of either party putting on a parade of clergy or other faith representatives, since it is clear both sides are working hard to court religiously-oriented voters.

While Cameron Strang’s discomfort with the invitation to offer a first-night benediction was not clarified precisely, I can relate to any hesitancy to be put in that position.  Is it an honest attempt to place the work of the party and its convention into the context of seeking God’s guidance and spirit?

Or is it merely a ploy to attract a particular segment of voters?