Trump and administration officials address Christian gathering on National Mall

Politics Trump and administration officials address Christian gathering on National Mall May 17, 20266:55 PM ET By  Chandelis Duster A person worships to Christian music at Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, on the National Mall on Sunday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption toggle caption Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Crowds of people gathered on the National Mall on Sunday for a conservative prayer gathering as part of a commemoration of America's 250 birthday, which included praise and worship songs, prayers by religious leaders and speeches by members of the Trump administration. The event was promoted as a gathering to "give thanks for God's providence, reflect on our nation's story, and rededicate America as One Nation under God." It was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private group working with the White House to organize the celebration of America's 250 birthday this summer. Sponsor Message The Sunday Story 'The Bible is not a policy manual': Christians reckon with immigration under Trump Of the 19 faith leaders that were scheduled to speak, 18 are Christian, and most are evangelical. White House faith office senior adviser Paula White-Cain, the Rev. Franklin Graham and Bishop Robert Barron, who leads the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, were among the leaders. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, who leads Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City and serves on Trump's Religious Liberty Commission, is the only non-Christian religious leader who spoke at the gathering. President Trump, who was golfing on Sunday afternoon, did not attend the event. Trump delivered a video message reading the Biblical scripture 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, which details God's response to King Solomon after he completed the temple in Jerusalem. Trump administration officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke in video messages. Congressional lawmak...