US Secretary of Defense’s Ties to Conservative Christian Network
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is associated with the Holy Communion of the Reformed Evangelical Church (CREC), a conservative Christian organization where some pastors contend that women shouldn’t have the right to vote. This stance gained some attention after Hegseth shared a video featuring Rev. Doug Wilson, the lead pastor of Christchurch in Moscow, Idaho, during a CNN interview where he articulated this viewpoint.
Hegseth’s post included the motto of Christchurch.
According to reports, he is set to attend the Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship, which is a CREC church located in the Nashville suburbs. Earlier this year, a pastor from his church, Brooks Pottiger, conducted a prayer service where Hegseth participated.
Recently, Hegseth also attended the inaugural Sunday service at Christ Church DC, marking the CREC’s new presence in the nation’s capital.
Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon, acknowledged Hegseth’s relationship with CREC, expressing appreciation for Wilson’s teachings.
Doug Wilson has previously stirred controversy with his remarks surrounding patriarchy and the role of women in society. He mentioned that he views the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, as “a bad idea,” even though his wife and daughter do participate in voting.
While overturning the 19th Amendment isn’t a primary goal, Wilson expresses a desire to implement a church-like voting system in the US, allowing an unmarried woman to hold voting rights within the church.
“Usually, the vote is cast by the husband and father because we are patriarchal and not egalitarian,” Wilson elaborated.
Wilson, a naval veteran, has also questioned the roles of women in the military, specifically referencing the inclusion of women on submarines.
“I think we should identify who suggested placing women on those submarines and have them committed,” Wilson remarked, likening it to a chaotic situation.
CREC was founded in 1998 and encompasses over 130 churches both in the United States and around the world, adhering to a blend of reformed theology and Christian reconstructionism.
Julie Ingersol, a religion professor, noted that Hegseth has utilized Wilson’s slogan, emphasizing the idea of Christians exercising dominion globally.
Wilson himself has expressed his ambition for the United States to become a Christian nation and openly embraces the label of Christian nationalist.
“I don’t mind being called that because it’s a more accurate descriptor than other labels I’ve received,” Wilson stated.
“I can’t associate with those who label me negatively; I identify as a Christian and a patriot who cares for my country,” he further explained.
Ultimately, Hegseth’s connection to CREC and the voices within it presents a complex portrait of modern Christian nationalism.
