The Republican National Convention (RNC) isn’t a religious event, but prayers have a significant role. People of various faiths are invited to deliver invocations and benedictions, often calling on God to protect former President Donald Trump.
Mixing religion and politics at the RNC isn’t new, but some recent prayers have stirred controversy, particularly one offered by a Sikh woman on Monday.
Sikh Prayer at The RNC
Harmeet Dhillon, a representative from the Republican National Committee for California, spoke on Monday night about Saturday’s shooting at a Trump rally before offering a Sikh prayer.
Dhillon said she was honored to share a prayer from her faith, practiced by over 25 million people worldwide. She recited the “Ardas” prayer in Punjabi, then added an English prayer, thanking God for creating America as a unique haven for religious freedom and seeking blessings for the upcoming election.
Prayer Controversy
The Sikh prayer at the RNC sparked controversy for several reasons. Some Christian leaders criticized the GOP for an interfaith approach. Thomas S. Kidd, a professor at Midwestern Seminary, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it would be better to have no prayers than a Sikh prayer.
Others questioned why images of Christian crosses were projected on screens behind Dhillon during her Sikh prayer and behind a Jewish woman during her prayer. Religion News Service reported that the screens showed American flags next to Christian crosses and churches.
Additionally, some felt the RNC didn’t prepare them for what to expect from Dhillon’s remarks. Rev. James Roemke, who also prayed on stage Monday, said there was a miscommunication, and he couldn’t be on stage while a Sikh woman was praying.
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Religion at The RNC
Despite the pushback, Dhillon’s prayer content was typical for this week’s event. Multiple speakers offered prayers asking for God’s blessings on the country and thanking God for keeping Trump safe.
Rev. Roemke, in his prayer, thanked God for protecting Trump and prayed for the families affected by the violence at the rally.
Conclusion
The controversy over Dhillon’s Sikh prayer highlights the ongoing debate about the role of religion at the RNC. While the event often blends religion and politics, incorporating prayers from non-Christian faiths has sparked significant discussion and criticism.
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