WASHINGTON — Large crowds gathered at the National Mall on Sunday for an all-day Christian prayer event described as a “rededication of our country as One Nation under God.”
With the Washington Monument serving as a backdrop, Christian worship music filled the air from a stage designed with clear religious symbolism. The setup featured arched stained-glass windows beneath towering columns that resembled government architecture, displaying images of the nation’s founding fathers next to a white cross.
Multiple speakers highlighted the connections between Christianity and America’s founding, a combination of themes that opponents had previously criticized as promoting Christian nationalism.
Speaking from the platform, the Rev. Robert Jeffress openly welcomed the Christian nationalist label, which many consider a negative term. “If being a Christian nationalist means loving Jesus Christ and loving America, count me in,” stated the well-known Southern Baptist pastor.
President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak to attendees through a recorded video presentation. Additional high-ranking Republicans, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., were also listed as participants in this year’s commemorations of America’s 250th anniversary.
Hegseth, who has incorporated Christian language and worship into his role leading the Pentagon, delivered a video message asking attendees to pray to “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Drawing on George Washington’s religious beliefs, he stated, “Let us pray without ceasing. Let us pray for our nation on bended knee.”
The gathering was coordinated by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership with White House support.
