What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support

By: Samuel Perry, Baylor University

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 26, 2025

Words: 1,451

Last Updated: 4 weeks, 2 days ago

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – commonly called the CREC – drew attention even before his confirmation hearings in January 2025. More recently, media reports highlighted a Pentagon prayer led by Hegseth and his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, in which they praised President Donald Trump, who they said was divinely appointed.

As a scholar of the Christian right, I have studied the CREC. Hegseth’s …

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