Warren, evangelical pastor at Saddleback Church in California, announced the planned forum Monday during a conference call with reporters. Though the exact date is still to be determined, Warren said he is eyeing the week of Aug. 20 and has been in touch with senior officials from both campaigns who have expressed their interest in participating, though no formal agreement is in place.

He explained that the purpose of the forum is "to promote social civility so that people with major disagreements (can) talk without beating each other up." ...