Prayer Gathering Draws Criticism for Christian Nationalism

Crowds gathered on the National Mall to join in a prayer event marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. The gathering featured Christian music, prayers, and speeches, notably from figures associated with the Trump administration.

Promoted to honor America’s history and reaffirm the nation as “One Nation under God,” the event was organized by Freedom 250. This public-private group collaborates with the White House to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

Of the 19 faith leaders present, 18 were Christian, predominantly evangelical. Notable figures included Paula White-Cain, senior adviser from the White House faith office, as well as the Rev. Franklin Graham and Bishop Robert Barron from Minnesota. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the only non-Christian leader, representing Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City.

President Trump did not attend but shared a video message that included a reading from 2 Chronicles. Other Trump administration officials, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, contributed video messages as well. Republican Sen. Tim Scott and House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed the crowd, with Johnson emphasizing divine origin over government for Americans’ rights.

The event drew criticism for promoting Christian nationalism. Interfaith Alliance projected messages advocating religious freedom at the National Gallery of Art. They expressed concern about the push towards an authoritarian theocracy.

Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, criticized the event as an assertion of Christian nationalism, potentially compromising the separation between church and state. She stressed the importance of preserving church-state separation to maintain religious diversity.