The Freedom From Religion Foundation is denouncing Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner’s promotion of religion during a federally sponsored National Mall event.

In a letter to Turner, the state/church watchdog has criticized HUD’s “faith-based disaster recovery event” at the National Mall on Sept. 6, in which Turner prayed publicly and proclaimed “faith is back in our government.” The event prominently featured worship leader Sean Feucht, a Christian nationalist activist known for divisive rhetoric and political organizing, alongside other faith leaders.

“HUD’s role is to serve all Americans in times of need — not to privilege one faith or host Christian nationalist worship on federal property,” writes FFRF Legal Counsel Chris Line. “When a cabinet official declares that ‘faith is back in our government,’ it sends a clear message of exclusion to millions of Americans who are nonreligious or non-Christian.”

While private religious groups often play a role in disaster response, the Constitution forbids the federal government from favoring or promoting religion. By centering Christian worship at an official government event, HUD has violated its obligation of neutrality under the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.

FFRF’s letter cites long-standing Supreme Court precedent requiring government neutrality between religion and nonreligion. It also reminds HUD of the Framers’ deliberate creation of a secular Constitution, free from religious tests or references to deities, bibles or faith.

“America’s strength lies in its secular Constitution,” the letter emphasizes. “True religious liberty requires that the government remain free from sectarian favoritism. HUD must represent all Americans, not serve as a pulpit for Christian nationalism.”

Turner previously spread Christian nationalist mythology at a recent meeting of the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission in the Museum of the Bible.

“What if 1 million people prayed for our country every single week between now and next July Fourth?” Turner asked. “More specifically, what if believers all across this great nation got together with 10 people — friends, family members, colleagues, work associates — 10 people each week to pray for our country and for our fellow citizens?”

Turner then cited as precedent the suggestion by delegate Benjamin Franklin to hold a prayer during the Constitutional Convention, a prayer which FFRF points out never took place: “Yes, Benjamin Franklin, at one acrimonious point, suggested a prayer, but the convention adjourned and none was given, showing the clear intent of the Framers of our Constitution not to entangle religious belief with government.”

FFRF is urging HUD to immediately cease incorporating religious messaging into its events and communications, and to provide written assurance that the agency will comply with its constitutional obligations. FFRF has filed a FOIA request for more information regarding the event.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 42,000 members, FFRF advocates for freethinkers’ rights across the globe. For more information, visit ffrf.org.

The post FFRF protests HUD’s Christian nationalist event appeared first on Freedom From Religion Foundation.