Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills, California, faced backlash from several members of Congress after delivering a prayer that opened their session, as invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson. The prayer, which called for humility and repentance of national sins, was criticized in a letter signed by 26 Democrats, who labeled Hibbs “an ill-qualified hate preacher” promoting a “Christian nationalist agenda.”
Despite the accusations, Pastor Hibbs explained that his prayer was largely inspired by historical invocations, specifically mentioning the First Prayer of the Continental Congress given in 1774. This historical context, Hibbs argued, underscores the traditional role of prayer in American political life.
The criticism from Congress members centered on Hibbs’ past remarks and affiliations, accusing him of contributing to divisive rhetoric. However, Hibbs dismissed these claims as unfounded and reflective of broader ideological conflicts rather than genuine concerns about the content of his prayer.
In addition to the political controversy, the atheist group Freedom From Religion has called for the IRS to revoke the tax-exempt status of Hibbs’ church following an endorsement made from the pulpit for a Republican Senate candidate. Hibbs has since apologized for this violation, emphasizing his commitment to his faith and the principles he believes guide both personal conduct and public service.
The situation illustrates the ongoing tensions between differing interpretations of the role of religion in public life, with Hibbs and his supporters advocating for the expression of faith-based values in the public sphere, while critics argue for a stricter separation between church and state. This debate continues to unfold against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized political landscape.