The Pentagon’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian worship service, praying for American ammunition to hit its intended targets during the ongoing Iran conflict. Hegseth, in a livestreamed service, sought divine guidance for U.S. forces, including wisdom, endurance, unity, and decisive action against adversaries.
As a vocal evangelical Christian, Hegseth portrays the U.S. as a Christian nation employing military strength against its enemies. The service featured a prayer used before the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a Bible reading, and a quote from Psalms.
Despite legal challenges from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Hegseth continues to host these gatherings, as does Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The advocacy group accuses both officials of using their positions to promote their religious beliefs on federal employees.
The lawsuit seeks public records on the costs, guests, and employee complaints related to these worship services. While facing criticism for his Christian rhetoric, Hegseth announced reforms within the military’s Chaplain Corps, reducing the number of recognized religious affiliation codes and changing chaplains’ uniform insignia.
Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), a conservative network co-founded by Christian nationalist Doug Wilson, has raised concerns about the influence of his religious beliefs within the military. Wilson’s teachings emphasize a strict interpretation of Reformed theology and advocate for a Christian-centric America.
The CREC, with over 150 churches in the U.S. and abroad, aligns with Wilson’s conservative views, including opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, and immigration restrictions. The network’s teachings have sparked controversy over their stance on empathy, women’s rights, and historical issues like slavery.
Hegseth’s religious activities and affiliations have come under scrutiny, raising questions about the intersection of religion and government within the U.S. military.