Faith Revitalized in Government, Says HUD Secretary
On Saturday, HUD Secretary Scott Turner proclaimed that “faith is back to our government.” This statement came during a faith-themed event that featured musical performances by Sean Feicht, part of HUD’s new approach to collaborating with Christian organizations.
“After a disaster, the devastation can feel overwhelming. I’ve met with individuals affected and witnessed the destruction myself,” Turner shared in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital. “During such tough times, faith-based organizations often step in. I observed their remarkable recovery efforts—homes being rebuilt, places of worship transforming into emergency centers, all supported by local churches. Under President Trump’s administration, faith has returned to our government.”
Addressing Homelessness
Turner emphasized HUD’s aim to break the “government-dependent cycle” in efforts to combat homelessness. He noted, “These [faith-based] organizations don’t just fill gaps; they breathe new life into devastated communities. Our role is to bolster their efforts with the resources they need to recover.”
The event unfolded at the National Mall from 6 p.m. on September 6, despite inclement weather. It included speeches from various faith leaders and concluded with a service led by Feucht.
For Feucht, this night marked a significant shift. After facing conflicts with left-leaning governments in places like Seattle, he found himself in Washington, officially invited by HUD.
Peaceful Gathering in Seattle
“God’s Blessing America! Just last month in Canada, efforts were made to limit our right to worship,” Feucht stated. “But here, the Trump administration has opened up pathways for Christians to bring worship to the capital! God is good!”
Feucht, known for initiating the “Let Us Worship” movement in 2020 as a response to restrictions on church gatherings, has seen both success and pushback. Canadian cities recently revoked the movement’s permits, while Seattle activists labeled the gatherings as “malicious harassment” towards the LGBTQ community.
In 2020, Seattle faced criticism for closing Gasworks Park ahead of a scheduled rally, which led to claims of discrimination against worshippers. Incidents of violence erupted during gatherings, complicating their proceedings.
However, Saturday’s event presented a different narrative. HUD placed church-affiliated responders at the core of their disaster recovery efforts, treating them as collaborative partners.
Among the speakers were Shayam Menon from HUD’s Faith Center and Rev. Matthew Barnett from the Dream Center. “An unforgettable night with Sean Feicht and Secretary Scott Turner,” remarked a participant on social media. “Jesus was the star!”
Turner concluded the evening with a worship session, giving the stage to Pastor Lorenzo Sewell. The National Mall, typically used for protests and cultural events, hosted services that directly connected to federal leadership.
For Turner, this showcase affirmed the role that faith should play. Meanwhile, for Feucht, it indicated a transition from a grassroots movement to a federally recognized gathering.
Despite the rain and lightning, worshippers remained steadfast through the evening. Feucht later expressed that the event was “historic in every sense.”
This gathering is part of a collaboration with HUD’s US 250 Initiative, coinciding with plans for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Both Turner and Feucht’s messages highlighted that faith isn’t just alive, but also welcomed within the sphere of American public life.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this event.
