Pentagon Welcomes Controversial Pastor Amid Criticism of Women’s Military Roles

The Pentagon has defended War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s invitation to controversial Christian pastor Doug Wilson, 72, after Wilson delivered a sermon during a Tuesday worship service at the War Department.

Wilson, who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, in the 1970s and later helped establish the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches—a denomination with more than 150 churches worldwide—has faced criticism for past statements claiming the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, was a mistake. Wilson has also advocated for a Christian nation guided by biblical principles, noting that women do not serve in leadership roles within his church.

In his sermon, Wilson spoke about “a black swan revival,” stating: “God can do what he likes. And as we should know by now, what he likes to do is to take the most unlikely materials and do something glorious with it.” He referenced prayer meetings at the Pentagon as an example of such events.

A source who attended the service described Wilson’s message as “pretty vanilla” and noted that he avoided political rhetoric, including discussions on women serving in military leadership roles.

Defense officials confirmed that the event was part of a voluntary monthly Christian worship series initiated by Secretary Hegseth last year.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson stated: “Secretary Hegseth, along with millions of Americans, is a proud Christian and was glad to welcome Pastor Wilson to the Pentagon today.”

The service also drew complaints from active-duty members, veterans, and defense contractors. One contractor described the invitation as “stark, depressing, almost threatening.”