McCain, Obama Will Share Time at Saddleback Civil Forum

(UPDATED: Read reactions to the civil forum on the Vision blog.)

(RELATED: Poll: Majority Wants Religion, Politics Separate)

In a presidential election where faith is at the forefront, the Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., has invited both Barack Obama and John McCain to speak at his megachurch. Both accepted and will take the stage Aug. 16, though not at the exact the same time.

In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Warren said that he is not looking for the candidates to debate each other but rather for them to have an opportunity to express themselves fully to Saddleback’s audience and to the American Christian audience. That’s why the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees will take the Saddleback stage at separate times during the event with Warren as the sole questioner.

“My plan in to bring them out on stage together at the beginning or at the end,” Warren told Blitzer. “But what I want to do is I want to let each of them talk without interrupting each other. And it’s not a debate format.”

The two candidates are headlining the Saddleback Civil Forum, which is geared toward leadership and compassion.

Warren mentioned that he has known both men for several years, before either of them decided to run for president, and has a tremendous amount of respect for both, though Warren admits they are very different. McCain’s first presidential attempt was in 2000. He does not plan to endorse or publicly support either.

“You know, as a pastor, I don’t think that’s my role,” Warren said. “I have to shepherd both sides of the flock. I have a church full of Democrats and a church full of Republicans and a church full of Independents.”

Though it's unknown where and when the event will be broadcast, more details are available at the Saddleback Church Web site.