Prayer Gathering on National Mall Sparks Controversy Amidst Celebrations
In a symbolic gesture marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, a conservative Christian prayer gathering took place on the National Mall. The event, featuring religious leaders, music, and speeches from political figures, has sparked a conversation about the intersection of faith and governance in America.
Organized by Freedom 250, a collaboration with the White House, the gathering was promoted as an opportunity to “give thanks for God’s providence, reflect on our nation’s story, and rededicate America as One Nation under God.” This event is part of the broader celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Of the 19 religious leaders expected to speak, 18 were Christian, mostly evangelicals. Notable figures included White House faith office senior adviser Paula White-Cain, the Rev. Franklin Graham, and Bishop Robert Barron. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the sole non-Christian speaker, representing Congregation Shearith Israel and serving on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission.
Although President Trump was absent due to golfing commitments, he addressed the audience via a video message, reading 2 Chronicles 7:11-22. This passage is noteworthy for its recounting of God’s response to King Solomon after the completion of the Jerusalem temple. Other Trump administration officials, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also participated through video messages.
Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and House Speaker Mike Johnson were among the lawmakers who spoke. Johnson led a prayer asking for divine guidance and courage, emphasizing that “our rights do not derive from the government, they come from You, our Creator and heavenly Father.”
The event featured music performances by Grammy-winning Christian musician Chris Tomlin. Despite the intent to unify, the gathering has faced criticism from groups like Interfaith Alliance, which projected messages supporting religious freedom onto the National Gallery of Art. The organization accused the event of promoting Christian nationalism, arguing it blurred the lines between church and state.
Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, criticized the event as a “Jubilee of Christian Nationalism,” urging a celebration of church-state separation, which she described as a unique American invention fostering religious diversity. In a statement, Laser noted, “Instead, they continue to threaten this foundational principle by advancing a Christian Nationalist crusade to impose one narrow version of Christianity on all Americans.”
Kathryn Post and Yonat Shimron contributed to this report.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a financial supporter of NPR.
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