U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner declared Saturday that “faith is back in our government” as hundreds gathered on the National Mall for the agency’s first faith-based disaster recovery event.
As reported by Fox News, the gathering featured worship leader Sean Feucht as part of HUD’s Innovative Housing Showcase. The event signaled a shift in how the federal government engages with Christian organizations, highlighting the role of churches and ministries in responding to crises.
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“After disaster strikes, the devastation can be overwhelming. I’ve met with those impacted, heard their stories, and seen the destruction first-hand,” Turner, also an associate pastor, told Fox News Digital. “In these moments, faith-based organizations are often the first to respond. I’ve witnessed their incredible recovery work: homes built, houses of worship turned into emergency centers and small businesses reopened with support from local churches. Under the leadership of President Trump, faith is back in our government.”
I can personally attest to this—prayer and worship gatherings are springing up all across the nation (just like we saw on the National Mall this weekend) as we prepare for America’s 250th birthday. It’s time to call our nation back to God. 🙏🏽🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Y0PqmNoRKe
— Sean Feucht (@seanfeucht) September 8, 2025
Turner stressed that the efforts of churches and ministries are not just supplemental. “These [faith-based] organizations are not just filling a gap. They are breathing new life into devastated communities, and HUD’s role is to strengthen their efforts with resources and support needed to recover,” he said.
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The event began at 6 p.m. on Sept. 6 amid strong wind and rain. Faith leaders from across the nation spoke before Feucht led a time of worship that drew believers to the heart of Washington, D.C.
For Feucht, the moment marked a dramatic turnaround. After years of conflict with governments in cities like Seattle and even in Canada, he saw the federal government officially welcome Christian worship to the nation’s capital. “God bless America! Last month up in Canada Mark Carney’s Govt did everything he could to keep us from worshipping Jesus… pulling permits, blocking parks, but here in America the Trump Administration is rolling out the red carpet to Christians and giving us a chance to bring worship to the heart of the Capital! God is good!!!” Feucht said in an exclusive statement.
Feucht’s “Let Us Worship” movement began during COVID lockdowns to protest restrictions on church gatherings. Despite opposition and canceled events, it has grown into a nationwide call for revival. He later described the National Mall event as “absolutely historic in every way.”
Other speakers included Shayam Menon of HUD’s Center for Faith, Dave Donaldson of the White House Faith Office, Pastor Matthew Barnett of the Dream Center, Scottie Stice of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Luther Harrison of Samaritan’s Purse, and Rev. Nathan Newman of Mission to North America. Pastor Lorenzo Sewell closed the night with final words of encouragement.
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The showcase tied into HUD’s partnership with the America 250 initiative, commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. Both Turner and Feucht used the occasion to declare that faith is not only alive but welcomed again at the center of American public life.
Christians should see this event as a reminder of God’s mercy and a call to action. Let us pray for America to repent of our collective sin as a nation and turn back towards God.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
