Trump allies and Christian leaders kick off America’s 250th birthday with religious rally on National Mall

Thousands gathered on the National Mall on Sunday for a day of prayer, worship music and patriotic speeches for an event celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary that supporters hail as a public affirmation of faith in America but critics view as an exclusionary display that blurs the line between religion and politics.

WASHINGTON — Thousands gathered on the National Mall on Sunday for a day of prayer, worship music and patriotic speeches for an event celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary that supporters hail as a public affirmation of faith in America but critics view as an exclusionary display that blurs the line between religion and politics.

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Add NBC News to GoogleThousands attend prayer rally in Washington00:43The event, called “Rededicate 250,” featured Trump administration officials, conservative Christian leaders and musicians. Organizers billed it as a chance to “solemnly rededicate our country as One Nation Under God.”

Attendees who traveled from across the country described the gathering as a response to what they see as a decline of religious values in public life.