Pentagon Hosts Prayer Meetings Led by Christian Nationalist

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It has been reported that the Pentagon is hosting monthly prayer meetings, which are organized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This week, Hegseth invited Doug Wilson, a pastor known for his Christian nationalist views, to lead the prayer service. Wilson is the founder of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and has built an extensive network of Christian schools across the country that he describes as "munitions factories" in the "culture wars." Wilson holds controversial views, including support for repealing women's right to vote and criminalizing homosexuality.

Why it matters

The decision to host prayer meetings at a government facility and to invite a Christian nationalist leader to lead them raises concerns about the separation of church and state. Critics argue that these meetings promote a specific religious ideology within a government institution and could make non-Christian employees feel excluded.

The details

Doug Wilson is the founder of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and has built a network of nearly 500 Christian schools across the country that he sees as "munitions factories" in the "culture wars." Wilson holds controversial views, including support for repealing the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, outlawing abortion, and criminalizing homosexuality. He has also made comments defending aspects of slavery in the American South.

• The Pentagon has been hosting monthly prayer meetings.
• This week, Doug Wilson was invited to lead the prayer service.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Pentagon has not announced any plans to discontinue the monthly prayer meetings or to prevent Doug Wilson from leading future services.