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Rick Warren, the controversial preacher from the OC's Saddleback Church, kicked off a long weekend of prayin' in San Juan Capistrano yesterday with the launch of Radicalis, a 3-day festival for young believers, reports the OC Register. The festival is being held on a 170-acre ranch that was recently gifted to the church by supporters in Oklahoma City. Taking a glance at the website, the event looks like some sort of combination between a music festival (songs by the Crave Band, Josh Fox and Phil Wickham) and a business conference (breakout sessions will take place throughout the day today). Those attending are encouraged to bring typical camping gear, as well as journals, pens and, of course, bibles.
The goal of the festival is to inspire the next generation.
Warren is nationally known for his charm, charisma, and efforts to build bridges between various faiths and denominations, and on the flip side, for his polarizing, staunchly conservative take on social issues. He's also remembered as the man who helped swear in President Obama, causing some progressives' heads to spin with outrage.
According to the Register, Radicalis is open to the public. Tickets at the door are $45.