Barack Obama’s attempt to pander to evangelical social conservatives (or his attempt to “reach out” to them, depending on your point of view) has gotten him in trouble with gay rights groups, and today he’s doing damage control: Obama defends choice of evangelical pastor.

WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday defended his choice of a popular evangelical minister to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, rejecting criticism that it slights gays.

The selection of Pastor Rick Warren brought objections from gay rights advocates, who strongly supported Obama during the election campaign. The advocates are angry over Warren’s backing of a California ballot initiative banning gay marriage. That measure was approved by voters last month.

But Obama told reporters in Chicago that America needs to “come together,” even when there’s disagreement on social issues. “That dialogue is part of what my campaign is all about,” he said. Obama also said he’s known to be a “fierce advocate for equality” for gays and lesbians, and will remain so.