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highplainsdem

(60,090 posts) Wed May 21, 2025, 04:03 PM May 2025

US defense chief Hegseth leads Christian prayer service at Pentagon

Source: Reuters

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, in what appeared to be a first for a Pentagon chief and something he said would become a monthly occurrence.

-snip-

Wednesday's event, "Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service," was broadcast on the Pentagon's internal television network and can be seen here.

-snip-

Hegseth's pastor, Brooks Potteiger, also spoke, and prayed for President Donald Trump.

"Thank you for the way that you have used him to bring stability and moral clarity to our land, and we pray that you would continue to protect him," Potteiger said.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-defense-chief-hegseth-leads-christian-prayer-service-pentagon-2025-05-21/?p

40 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

US defense chief Hegseth leads Christian prayer service at Pentagon (Original Post) highplainsdem May 2025 OP

The attendees should use the time to pray for a new Defense Secretary. Vinca May 2025 #1

The crosses at Hegseth's "Christian Prayer & Worship Services" tend to be burning muriel_volestrangler May 2025 #2

Sinclair Lewis. Frasier Balzov May 2025 #5

Preparation for the next Crusades. Silent Type May 2025 #3

Moral clarity??? C_U_L8R May 2025 #4

this sanctimonious crap has NO PLACE in government Skittles May 2025 #6

Agreed and no one has to yet tell me WTF is wrong with them vapor2 May 2025 #30

"judge not lest ye be judged" Skittles May 2025 #32

Separation of church & state? SheltieLover May 2025 #7

Well, according to a Dem leader, God is on the throne. Celerity May 2025 #38

Hard to not see the Nazi Blue Owl May 2025 #8

This mega adulterer is a hypothetical phony La Coliniere May 2025 #9

Rapist traitor leads a prayer service. Irish_Dem May 2025 #10

BARF! bluestarone May 2025 #11

Is this allowed? twodogsbarking May 2025 #12

I mean, almost nothing they've been doing is allowed, but they're doing it anyway. Karasu May 2025 #19

Like defying SCOTUS? accepting a jet from a foreign country? taking our benefits? etc etc vapor2 May 2025 #31

Only once a month? A good xian should be on their prayer blankets three times a day. erronis May 2025 #13

This is happening on our dime. If they want to meet in their off time for a service, fine. HeartsCanHope May 2025 #14

waste, fraud and abuse Skittles May 2025 #24

he's no Christian.............. Lovie777 May 2025 #15

Frag liberalgunwilltravel May 2025 #16

Attorney General John Ashcroft was doing something like this in the Bush-43 administration. John1956PA May 2025 #17

Yep. And now we have an entire administration full of Ashcrofts. Karasu May 2025 #18

Wasn't he the one that okayed waterboarding? HeartsCanHope May 2025 #20

How long before his so-called pastor is involved in a sex abuse scandal? Crowman2009 May 2025 #21

That's absoluitely repulsive. These people do not follow the teachings of Jesus, and mock God with their words. patphil May 2025 #22

Did he drink a whole bottle of Communion wine? Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin May 2025 #23

"Thank you for the way that you have used him to bring stability and moral clarity to our land.." LudwigPastorius May 2025 #25

"Secretary of Defense CHRISTIAN Prayer?" Grins May 2025 #26

After his prayer did the priest... sheshe2 May 2025 #27

"moral clarity" Norrrm May 2025 #28

Imagine if it was; "Secretary of Defense MUSLIM Prayer & Worship Service" Grins May 2025 #29

This is revolting. Americanme May 2025 #33

Where was the sacramental wine COL Mustard May 2025 #34

"Moral clarity"? Lying, cheating, taking bribes, harming children, and wrecking our future are sinkingfeeling May 2025 #35

From Hamlet bmichaelh May 2025 #36

Then he should act like Christians are meant to act - with humility, honesty, and generosity samsingh May 2025 #37

Floundering fool thinks phony religiosity will keep him in job Mysterian May 2025 #39

Pete Hegseth Leads Christian Prayer Service in the Pentagon LetMyPeopleVote May 2025 #40

Vinca

(53,368 posts)

1. The attendees should use the time to pray for a new Defense Secretary.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:05 PM

May 2025

muriel_volestrangler

(105,588 posts)

2. The crosses at Hegseth's "Christian Prayer & Worship Services" tend to be burning

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:08 PM

May 2025

judging by his tattoos.

Trump's cabinet, busy wrapping themselves in flags and carrying crosses ...

Frasier Balzov

(4,880 posts)

5. Sinclair Lewis.

Reply to muriel_volestrangler (Reply #2)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:29 PM

May 2025

Silent Type

(12,412 posts)

3. Preparation for the next Crusades.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:10 PM

May 2025

C_U_L8R

(48,896 posts)

4. Moral clarity???

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:13 PM

May 2025

That pastor needs to turn in his crucifix for so much deceit. Fightin' Jesus would kick this one's ass clear across the marketplace.

Skittles

(169,643 posts)

6. this sanctimonious crap has NO PLACE in government

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:39 PM

May 2025

WTF IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE

WWJD? Not a DAMN THING these fascist fucks are into.

vapor2

(3,795 posts)

30. Agreed and no one has to yet tell me WTF is wrong with them

Reply to Skittles (Reply #6)

Thu May 22, 2025, 12:23 AM

May 2025

But I hear that they are sadists

Skittles

(169,643 posts)

32. "judge not lest ye be judged"

Reply to vapor2 (Reply #30)

Thu May 22, 2025, 12:52 AM

May 2025

these fascist fucks judge EVERYONE

SheltieLover

(76,920 posts)

7. Separation of church & state?

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:42 PM

May 2025

Celerity

(53,705 posts)

38. Well, according to a Dem leader, God is on the throne.

Reply to SheltieLover (Reply #7)

Thu May 22, 2025, 09:23 AM

May 2025

Blue Owl

(58,181 posts)

8. Hard to not see the Nazi

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:43 PM

May 2025

La Coliniere

(1,759 posts)

9. This mega adulterer is a hypothetical phony

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 04:50 PM

May 2025

who refuses to recognize the separation of church and state. In a rational country we’d be calling for his resignation, pronto.

Irish_Dem

(79,910 posts)

10. Rapist traitor leads a prayer service.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:00 PM

May 2025

bluestarone

(21,220 posts)

11. BARF!

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:04 PM

May 2025

twodogsbarking

(17,591 posts)

12. Is this allowed?

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:05 PM

May 2025

Karasu

(2,003 posts)

19. I mean, almost nothing they've been doing is allowed, but they're doing it anyway.

Reply to twodogsbarking (Reply #12)

Wed May 21, 2025, 09:10 PM

May 2025

vapor2

(3,795 posts)

31. Like defying SCOTUS? accepting a jet from a foreign country? taking our benefits? etc etc

Reply to Karasu (Reply #19)

Thu May 22, 2025, 12:24 AM

May 2025

erronis

(22,692 posts)

13. Only once a month? A good xian should be on their prayer blankets three times a day.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:10 PM

May 2025

Or at least crouching under the desk of their supervisor.

HeartsCanHope

(1,531 posts)

14. This is happening on our dime. If they want to meet in their off time for a service, fine.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:12 PM

May 2025

Just not on my dime. If Hegseth gets to have his service, then Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Wiccan, Agnostic, Atheist, and any other religion or belief system gets equal time. This is NOT a Christian state. He's supposed to be running the Pentagon, not preaching or praying. I wouldn't listen to an alcoholic rapist for tips on serving Jesus, either. Sickening!

Skittles

(169,643 posts)

24. waste, fraud and abuse

Reply to HeartsCanHope (Reply #14)

Wed May 21, 2025, 10:21 PM

May 2025

praying at work hits all three

Lovie777

(21,788 posts)

15. he's no Christian..............

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 05:30 PM

May 2025

liberalgunwilltravel

(1,086 posts)

16. Frag

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 06:02 PM

May 2025

The SOB.

John1956PA

(4,839 posts)

17. Attorney General John Ashcroft was doing something like this in the Bush-43 administration.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 08:13 PM

May 2025

Karasu

(2,003 posts)

18. Yep. And now we have an entire administration full of Ashcrofts.

Reply to John1956PA (Reply #17)

Wed May 21, 2025, 09:08 PM

May 2025

Hell, Hegseth makes Ashcroft look almost sane.

Almost.

HeartsCanHope

(1,531 posts)

20. Wasn't he the one that okayed waterboarding?

Reply to John1956PA (Reply #17)

Wed May 21, 2025, 09:12 PM

May 2025

Don't think Jesus would have okayed that!

Crowman2009

(3,408 posts)

21. How long before his so-called pastor is involved in a sex abuse scandal?

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 09:26 PM

May 2025

patphil

(8,733 posts)

22. That's absoluitely repulsive. These people do not follow the teachings of Jesus, and mock God with their words.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 09:34 PM

May 2025

Moral clarity indeed!
The forces of darkness are strong in these people.

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(132,943 posts)

23. Did he drink a whole bottle of Communion wine?

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 10:10 PM

May 2025

LudwigPastorius

(14,205 posts)

25. "Thank you for the way that you have used him to bring stability and moral clarity to our land.."

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 10:48 PM

May 2025

Grins

(9,246 posts)

26. "Secretary of Defense CHRISTIAN Prayer?"

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 11:12 PM

May 2025

Yeah; about that….

sheshe2

(95,950 posts)

27. After his prayer did the priest...

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 11:17 PM

May 2025

After his prayer did the priest and heavenly choir break into a rendition of Nearer My God To Thee while standing in front of tsf's portrait?

Norrrm

(4,034 posts)

28. "moral clarity"

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 11:18 PM

May 2025

Grins

(9,246 posts)

29. Imagine if it was; "Secretary of Defense MUSLIM Prayer & Worship Service"

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Wed May 21, 2025, 11:22 PM

May 2025

The colossal pants-shitting from the Reich would shake the planet.

Americanme

(377 posts)

33. This is revolting.

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 02:57 AM

May 2025

You can lead a hedonistic life, get drunk, get laid, chase wealth, constantly put people down and call them names... but put on a public religious display, briefly pretend to be pious, and people fall for it every time.

COL Mustard

(7,996 posts)

34. Where was the sacramental wine

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 04:54 AM

May 2025

Inquiring minds want to know!

sinkingfeeling

(57,251 posts)

35. "Moral clarity"? Lying, cheating, taking bribes, harming children, and wrecking our future are

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 07:04 AM

May 2025

moral activities?

bmichaelh

(1,088 posts)

36. From Hamlet

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 07:09 AM

May 2025

Angels and ministers of grace defend us.

From Hamlet

Also in Star Trek IV The Voyage Home

?si=jhCbR26x5SOmrMfW

samsingh

(18,249 posts)

37. Then he should act like Christians are meant to act - with humility, honesty, and generosity

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 08:27 AM

May 2025

unfortunately, all the right wing Christians who purport to follow Jesus's teachings do the exact opposite

Mysterian

(6,179 posts)

39. Floundering fool thinks phony religiosity will keep him in job

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 09:33 AM

May 2025

Hegseth's incompetence places this nation in danger every single day.

LetMyPeopleVote

(175,054 posts)

40. Pete Hegseth Leads Christian Prayer Service in the Pentagon

Reply to highplainsdem (Original post)

Thu May 22, 2025, 12:25 PM

May 2025

The event was held in the Pentagon’s auditorium during working hours and featured Mr. Hegseth’s pastor.

Pete Hegseth Leads Christian Prayer Service in the Pentagon

Source: The New York Times

Fake Christians I hate!!!
— Melissa Brownstein RN, Certified Wound Nurse, Psychic (@melissabrownstein.bsky.social) 2025-05-21T21:20:54.488Z

Link to tweet

Gift link
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/us/politics/pete-hegseth-prayer-pentagon.html?unlocked_article_code=1.I08.4gmf.qIFjmAShbzB2&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian prayer service in the Pentagon’s auditorium on Wednesday morning, during working hours, in which President Trump was praised as a divinely appointed leader.

The event, billed as the “Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service,” was standing room only and ran for about 30 minutes, with Brooks Potteiger, the pastor of Mr. Hegseth’s church in Tennessee, as the main speaker.

Mr. Hegseth said he intended that the prayer service become a monthly event......

Mr. Trump has long dismissed concerns that his words and actions as president may violate the First Amendment’s prohibition of establishing a state religion. On the campaign trail in 2024, Mr. Trump pledged to champion his followers’ brand of conservative Christianity across American life and government, and he signed an executive order in February banning “anti-Christian bias” in the federal government.

“This is precisely where I need to be, and I think exactly where we need to be as a nation, at this moment,” Mr. Hegseth, standing at a lectern bearing the seal of the Defense Department, said in his opening remarks: “in prayer, on bended knee recognizing the providence of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.” He added, “Knowing that there’s an author in heaven overseeing all of this, who’s underwritten all of it, for us, on the cross, gives me the strength to proceed.”

The defense secretary said that attendance at the prayer service was voluntary, but encouraged the uniformed military personnel and civilian employees there to tell their co-workers about it.

This is a violation of the First Amendment and the wall between church and state. Hegseth and trump are making christianity the official state religion.

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