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I actually canceled all of my out-of-country speaking and canceled almost everything because I felt like this is the time I need to be home. Revivals are often birthed out of recessions, out of tough times. Three things go up in recessions: church attendance, bar attendance, and movie attendance. Why those three things? They represent the three things people are looking for: meaning, connection, and relief. Through our Purpose-Driven Connection groups, we're trying to provide that meaning, connection, and relief to things like, "How should I be managing my money in these tough times?"

You haven't spoken to the media in several months. Why did you decide to start doing interviews again?

It's Easter week. Easter week I typically make myself available. I didn't ask to pray at the inauguration — it wasn't my idea in the first place — and as soon as it was over, I felt like I needed to put my head down and focus on the enormous harvest. People see me out there — I speak to Muslim groups and Jewish groups, I'm actually having a Passover Seder tomorrow night. People never need to doubt why I do what I do, even when associating with people gets me in all kinds of hot water. Jesus got into hot water for the people he associated with. Fundamentalist groups say Warren hangs out with Jews and Muslims and gays and on and on. The point is, I'm not allowed to not love anybody.

But as long as you're working with groups of other faiths, where do you draw the line?

You never compromise your convictions. I'm not a champion of interfaith dialogue. I think most interfaith dialogue is a waste of time, because you just sit in a room and talk. You're probably not going to convince a Muslim to change his views, and he's probably not going to convince you to change your views about Christ. I am interested in interfaith projects. Can we work together on issues that apply to humanity like caring for the sick, assisting the poor, educating the next generation, ending corruption, and promoting reconciliation? I don't have to agree with you and you don't have to agree with me on everything, but I'm not insisting that you compromise your beliefs.

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April (Web-only) 2009, Vol. 53