Thousands Gather on National Mall for Rededicate 250 Prayer Jubilee
On May 17, 2026, thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for Rededicate 250, a national prayer jubilee marking 250 years since the Second Continental Congress called for a day of repentance. President Trump called on Americans to rededicate the country to God. Speakers included Cabinet members, pastors, and faith leaders from across the country.
Thousands of Christians filled the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026, for Rededicate 250, a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
The event marked 250 years since the Second Continental Congress issued its first call for a national day of repentance in 1776. President Trump addressed the crowd and called on Americans to rededicate the nation to God.
Cabinet members Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio were among the speakers. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron also addressed the gathering, representing Catholic voices at the event.
CBN News correspondent Abigail Robertson reported live from the Mall. The event drew an estimated crowd of tens of thousands, with satellite gatherings held in cities across the country.
Critics raised concerns about the event's lineup, which featured predominantly conservative Christian and far-right speakers. A multifaith coalition filed a lawsuit earlier in May, arguing that the Trump administration's religious liberty commission lacked balanced representation from non-Christian faiths and historically Black churches.
Organizers said the event was open to all Americans and focused on prayer and national renewal. The jubilee included worship music, scripture readings, and calls for civic engagement rooted in faith.
The event came as Christian nationalism has become a more visible force in American political life. Scholars and faith leaders continue to debate the proper relationship between religious expression and government-sponsored events.
Pastor Mark Francey of Oceans Church in California, who launched the "Baptize the World" movement earlier this year, was among those who attended. His initiative has encouraged communities worldwide to hold public baptisms on Pentecost Sunday.
The National Mall gathering was one of the largest faith-based events held in Washington in recent years.
