Christian Nationalism = Protestants Only
The Pentagon said ‘No Catholic Mass’ on Good Friday. What? In the first place, Catholics do not hold Mass on Good Friday; this is the only day in the liturgical year that commemorates the actual death of Jesus on the Cross. There is no Eucharist consecration on this day. It is one of the most solemn days in our liturgical year. Instead, Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross and hold liturgical services that include Liturgy of the Word about the Passion of Christ, and services such as veneration of the Cross and Communion (using Eucharist consecrated on Holy Thursday).
The Pentagon decided to hold a “Christian” Good Friday service for Protestants, excluding Catholics, at its on-site chapel. The Pentagon Memorial Chapel is supposed to be an interfaith space for worship and prayerful reflection, where employees can pray and attend religious services. This is the first time that no Catholic observance was held on Good Friday. Is this another way that Catholics are being marginalized in the military? I, for one, object to such an ideological realignment in the Pentagon and our military. This is about favoritism in religious representation that will result in dire consequences going forward.
Is this part of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s campaign to enforce his extreme right wing evangelical beliefs? This action privileges Christian Nationalist beliefs and positions. His invitation to Pastor Doug Wilson (a leading Christian Nationalist) in February (at one of the monthly evangelical services now being held in the Pentagon) supports this – Wilson has advocated the banning of public Catholic rituals. This pseudo religious/political philosophy undergirds Hegseth’s approach to religious prayer, observance and embrace of “Christianity” in supporting his military actions. His March prayer included references to “overwhelming violence of action.” Other Hegseth prayers have asked that the military mete out violence on enemies “in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ.” Really? It is sad that the military is being told that God is on our side -- it is an inadequate justification for war.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio (the head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services) has been critical of Hegseth’s use of the name of Jesus to justify the Iran war. Broglio has gone so far to advise Catholic military service personnel to disregard any representation that this is a holy war, blessed by God.
The Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion. But I thought we had the freedom to worship according to our beliefs – by excluding Catholics (and all other religious believers) from services, it proves the point that freedom of religion is an aspiration that is being trampled on and any constitutional protections for religious freedom are in danger.
Marylee Raymond Diamond 04/09/26