On May 17, 2026, a massive national prayer and worship event—first promoted by President Donald Trump—called “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving” is scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Organizers say the purpose of the gathering is to “rededicate America as One Nation Under God” ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The issue is not whether people should pray or worship, but whether the state should promote, endorse, or partner with organized religion in shaping national identity and public policies.
This historic gathering features a lineup of Catholic and Protestant speakers—both religious and political—in collaboration with the White House, promoting a new narrative about the church’s role in civil life. The May 17 event is expected to run throughout the day and center around worship activities that will integrate Catholic and Evangelical religious values more deeply into the nation’s political and governmental institutions.
The Freedom 250 website states the following:
• “On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the National Mall will be the scene of a historic gathering as Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God.” [1]
• “Sunrise worship before the U.S. Capitol through a full day of prayer, music, and testimony. Livestream available nationwide through partner churches, ministries, and organizations.” [1]
The event is drawing significant attention because of the high-profile political and religious figures expected to participate. Prominent Evangelical leaders, conservative Catholic figures, White House allies, and Trump administration officials are expected to appear and speak, including the following:
• “Speaker Mike Johnson, 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives” [1]
• “Secretary Marco Rubio, 72nd United States Secretary of State” [1]
• “Secretary Pete Hegseth, 29th United States Secretary of War” [1]
• “Senator Tim Scott, United States Senator from South Carolina” [1]
• “Ambassador Monica Crowley, 35th Chief of Protocol of the United States” [1]
• “Dr. Ben Carson, Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and renowned neurosurgeon” [1]
• “Major General Patrick Brady, USA (Ret.), Medal of Honor Recipient and retired United States Army Major General” [1]
• “Dr. Larry Arnn, 12th President of Hillsdale College” [1]
• “Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association” [1]
• “Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester and Founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries” [1]
• “Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New York and Former President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops” [1]
• “Pastor Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church” [1]
• “Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Host of the Kingdom Connection” [1]
• “Pastor Jonathan Falwell, Chancellor of Liberty University and Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church” [1]
• “Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, Lead Pastor of New Season Church and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference” [1]
• “Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City” [1]
• “Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Dallas” [1]
• “Pastor Jonathan Pokluda, Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church, Author, and Host of the “Becoming Something Podcast” [1]
• “Gordon P. Robertson, Chancellor of Regent University and President of Christian Broadcasting Network” [1]
• “Pastor Paula White, Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office” [1]
• “Apostle Guillermo Mondonaldo, Founder and Senior Pastor of El Rey Jesus” [1]
• “Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Senior Pastor of 180 Church in Detroit” [1]
• “Pastor Lou Engles, Co-Founder of TheCall and Founder of Lou Engle Ministries” [1]
• “Pastor Gary Hamrick, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel and radio host” [1]
• “Bishop Kelvin Cobaris, Lead Pastor of New Life Church International” [1]
• “Pastor Andy Deane, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church” [1]
• “Andy Frank, Pastor and Worship Leader” [1]
While many Christians will celebrate this historic event, growing concerns remain over the increasing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics. When government officials, religious leaders, and state institutions unite in promoting national worship observances and religious rededication ceremonies, this crosses the Constitutional line separating church and state. These developments are especially significant because Scripture warns that the United States will one day use its civil power to support religious agendas and influence worship (Revelation 13).
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