Members of the Trump administration and conservative religious leaders are gathering in Washington on Sunday, May 17, for a “national prayer marathon” as described by the White House. Donald Trump will address the crowd in a video.
The White House has labeled the prayer event “Rededicate 250,” scheduled to take place near the White House and Congress on the National Mall. The event will involve clergy members, Protestant pastors, evangelicals, and politicians honoring America’s Christian roots.
The spiritual advisor to Donald Trump, Paula White-Cain, emphasizes the importance of honoring the nation’s Christian values and foundations. She has previously stated that Trump is “God’s chosen one” and linked opposition to Trump as opposition to God.
Critics argue against the idea that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, pointing out that neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution mention religion. The event also highlights a political use of religion to justify certain positions, such as anti-immigration policies.
The event, attended mostly by Christians, will feature speakers like Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and evangelical pastor Samuel Rodriguez. The date of May 17 was chosen symbolically as a day of fasting and prayer during the American Revolutionary War.
The event aims to emphasize Christianity as a defining characteristic of traditional Americans, potentially marginalizing other religions and atheists. Critics warn against using religion for political purposes, such as promoting anti-immigration agendas.
