RNS Morning Report - Trump allies lead thousands in prayer to 'rededicate' America to God on National Mall

 

“God bless America” On Sunday, RNS reporters Jack Jenkins, Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Adelle M. Banks, were at the National Mall to cover “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving.” The day-long event featured a lineup of religious leaders, government officials, musical acts and media personalities — almost all of them Christian and most of them evangelical — who championed the idea that the U.S. has a religious founding, and that its future success depends on prayer. “Just as we in the beginning dedicated this land to your most holy name, today, here, Lord, in this 250th year of American independence, we hereby rededicate the United States of America as one nation under God,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Southern Baptist, from the stage. The speakers were met with an enthusiastic crowd of thousands, many clad in red, white and blue and waving Jesus banners. “I think they’re bringing on the Holy Spirit over our country, and I’m proud to be an American,” one woman, who traveled from Florida, told RNS. Read the full report from Jenkins, Hertzler-McCain and Banks below. And register for a special virtual event on Tuesday, hosted by NPR's 1A show and Religion News Service: “One Nation Under God? America 250: Freedom of Religion at Our Country’s Founding and Now.” Top Stories Trump allies lead thousands in prayer to ‘rededicate’ America to God on National Mall WASHINGTON (RNS) — The speakers largely advanced the ideas that the U.S. has a religious — and particularly Christian — founding and that its future success depends on prayer. Black church leaders to march in Selma this weekend over Voting Rights Act ruling (RNS) — Faith leaders will first gather at Selma’s Tabernacle Baptist Church for a prayer service before marching silently on the Edmund Pettus Bridge toward the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. Christian nationalism isn’t a MAGA aberration. Historian Matthew Sutton says it’s the whole American story. (FāVS News) — In his new book, Sutton argues Christianity has shaped American identity and politics for centuries. Faith groups, others joining hands to help neighbors in celebration of America’s 250th (RNS) — The National Association of Evangelicals, the Assemblies of God, CityServe International and Love Has No Limits are among the organizations encouraging community service on Saturday. Opinion Christian nationalists need to look again at their religious DNA (RNS) — But the ancestors of today’s Christian nationalists weren’t the leaders of Christian America — they were the heretics. A horrific Oct. 7 report demands that Jews stop apologizing for their anguish (RNS) — A new report documents the unimaginable sexual violence of Oct. 7, 2023. I am done softening what I now know. ICYMI It’s been called the Ellis Island of the South. Now residents worry about ICE. (RNS) — As the U.S. embraces aggressive anti-immigrant policies, Clarkston, Georgia, is now a test of how to best protect the diverse community of refugees. Rededicate 250 touts a star-studded prayer bash with politicians, Christian celebrities (RNS) — But a new poll finds many Americans aren’t comfortable mixing religion and politics. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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