Why Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon prayer services challenge traditional notions of separation of church and state – but might be blessed by the Roberts Supreme Court

When government officials hold prayer services, quote scripture and engage in religious proselytizing at the workplace, is it religious freedom – or an old-fashioned First Amendment violation?

By: John E. Jones III, Dickinson College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 15, 2026

Words: 1,491

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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By John E. Jones III, Dickinson College

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is engaging in “a proselytizing Christian campaign” in his job, according to The Washington Post.

Hegseth hosts prayer services at the Pentagon and virtually crusades as a Christian, praying at the Pentagon for U.S. troops to inflict “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy in Iran.” Politics editor Naomi Schalit spoke with Dickinson College President John E. Jones …

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