A prayer rally, Rededicate 250, was held Sunday on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with thousands of people in attendance.
The nine-hour event included speakers such as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who filmed videos for the event, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and several faith leaders. The event also included the singing of worship songs and scripture readings.
“Our nation more than any other in history,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, “was shaped by this Christian idea.”
The event focused on reemphasizing that America is “One Nation, Under God.”
Some criticized the day-long event because only one non-Christian leader, a Jewish rabbi, spoke.
President Trump recorded a reading of scripture
Though he was not present at the event, Trump recorded a reading of scripture that was played on a large screen.
The president read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 and did not provide additional comment after he finished the reading.
The verses Trump read recounted the Lord appearing to King Solomon and promising to bless his people.
The King James Version of the Bible verses reads: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Trump’s reading was met with applause.
Mike Johnson ‘led a prayer of rededication’
Johnson delivered a prayer of rededication at the event.
“My humble assignment here today,” said Johnson, “is to bring us straight to the Lord.”
The prayer that Johnson read detailed the pivotal moments of the United States and acknowledged God’s role in each of those moments.
“You gave our fathers the wisdom and faith to establish this new nation” the speaker of the House said, “premised on the biblical and foundational principle that ‘All men are created equal.’”
In his prayer, Johnson asked God: “Help us to devote ourselves with a renewed piety and patriotism to the eternal truths of your Word and to the enduring principles of the declaration you blessed us with.”
Rubio and Hegseth offered messages of history and faith
Rubio also recorded a message that was played at the event.
Rubio recounted events where he said Providence’s hand was seen throughout the founding and history of America.
“The resolution of the Continental Congress called on the 13 Colonies to humble themselves for the coming war,” said Rubio, “‘with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion publicly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God.’”
Rubio continued that faith has always marked the great moments of American history and referenced the first message Samuel Morse sent with his telegraph: “What hath God wrought.”
He also cited the moment when the astronauts on the Apollo 11 read: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recounted the difficulties of the Revolutionary War.
“George Washington did not lose faith,” said Hegseth, “he prayed. And on this day of Rededicate 250, let us follow George Washington’s example.”
‘Chosen’ actor Jonathan Roumie offered a message
Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus on “The Chosen,” also offered remarks.
“At the heart of the vision for what America could be, was faith,” said Roumie. ”Faith in God. Faith in Liberty. And faith in the seemingly impossible task of building a nation.”
Roumie challenged the attendees to repent and “rededicate yourself … to holiness.”
The actor also spoke of his childhood growing up in New York.
“There were so many intense moments in history that could have permanently overwhelmed any child witnessing those events,” he said, “but there was that sacred phrase in the Pledge of Allegiance, ‘One Nation Under God.’”
“That gave me a quiet confidence that no matter what was happening around in the world, America would be OK,” Roumie said.
Only 1 non-Christian leader spoke, sparking criticism
Some criticized the event for including primarily Christian leaders and messages.
Most of the religious leaders who spoke were evangelical or Catholic.
Speakers included Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Cardinal Timothy Dolan, retired archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York; and Rabbi Meri Soloveichik, leader of the Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City, the sole non-Christian speaker at the event.
“As hatred of Jews makes itself manifest again,” the rabbi said, “antisemitism is utterly un-American.”