Philly Reverend Will Deliver Invocation at Obama’s Inaugural Lunch

North Philly Rev. Luis Cortes, who is based at 5th Street in Hunting Park, will deliver the invocation at President Obama’s inaugural luncheon today. Cortes, who’s also rubbed elbows with President George W. Bush and President Clinton, is the founder of Esperanza, the nation’s largest Latino faith-based evangelical network. Cortes says he hopes Obama uses the next few months to address comprehensive immigration reform to get illegal immigrants “out from under the shadows,” but worries that other issues like gun control will take precedence. He’s one of several high-profile Latinos featured prominently in this year’s festivities. [Newsworks]