On Sunday, the National Mall hosted Rededicate 250, a Christian prayer gathering marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event featured Christian worship music.
The gathering attracted crowds for a celebration that mixed prayers and speeches by religious and political figures. It was part of a national commemoration promoted as a chance to thank God, reflect on the nation’s history, and renew America’s dedication as One Nation under God.
Freedom 250, collaborating with the White House, organized the event. Notably, of the 19 slated faith leaders, 18 were Christian, mostly evangelical. Noteworthy figures included Paula White-Cain, a senior adviser from the White House’s faith office, Rev. Franklin Graham, and Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the sole non-Christian speaker, representing Congregation Shearith Israel and the Religious Liberty Commission.
Despite being absent due to golfing, President Trump shared a video message reading Biblical scripture from 2 Chronicles. Trump administration figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also contributed video messages. In-person speakers included Republican Senator Tim Scott. House Speaker Mike Johnson led a prayer for the republic’s preservation, emphasizing rights as divine, originating from God.
Grammy-award winning Christian musician Chris Tomlin performed at the commemoration. However, the event drew criticism for its perceived promotion of Christian nationalism and blurring of church-state boundaries. The Interfaith Alliance projected messages supporting religious freedom on the National Gallery of Art in response. Their social media statement condemned the rally as an attempt to establish an authoritarian theocracy.
Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, criticized the event as promoting Christian Nationalism over religious freedom. She argued that true recognition of America’s religious diversity involves upholding the separation of church and state.