Obama's election and a controversial pastor highlight the annual celebration of King's 80th birthday

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – In Atlanta, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the historic house of worship where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, commemorated the late civil rights leader's 80th birthday.

In 1963, King challenged the nation to not judge people by race. Today, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin told the church America has taken a big step in that direction.

FRANKLIN: " and we celebrate a nation that judged a man, our new President, President Barack Hussein Obama, by the content of his character to lead the United States "

However, protestors briefly interrupted the service demonstrating against keynote speaker Pastor Rick Warren. He's made controversial comments against same sex marriage. Warren urged the crowd to immolate King and give their lives to God.

WARREN: "When you are in the center of God's will, people will say things about you and you've got to decide who you want to impress. I challenge you to live for an audience of one."