I never have been involved in politics.

Taken at face value, the statement is a claim of political noninvolvement—an attempt to position the speaker as outside partisan activity and to frame their work as primarily religious, pastoral, or civic rather than political. In Rick Warren’s case, such a line would typically function defensively, responding to public scrutiny about perceived political influence or high-profile appearances with political figures. The phrasing emphasizes personal distance (“I never have been involved”) rather than denying that his ministry has political effects, leaving room for a distinction between partisan engagement and moral or social advocacy.