WASHINGTON – Last week in Pagan Community Notes, we reported on disturbing events at Higher Purpose Emporium, a metaphysical store in Fort Worth, Texas. The store shared with The Wild Hunt their experiences of being targeted, underscoring an alarming trend for Pagan businesses in the U.S. While disconcerting on its own, this story has gained new significance due to its striking parallels with language employed at a massive Christian rally held this weekend in Washington, DC.
Organizers of the event, called “A Million Women,” described the gathering — and the upcoming presidential election — as a “last stand moment” to save the nation from perceived forces of darkness. For hours, attendees sang worship songs, waved flags symbolizing their belief that America was founded as a Christian nation, and prayed aloud for Jesus to intercede on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s behalf in November.
Christian nationalism is a religious movement that promotes the idea that Christian views should dominate American political and social life. Believers in this ideology often see themselves as defenders of divine order, battling what they perceive as secular and liberal corruption. For Pagans, these sentiments are especially troubling as they continue to deal with prejudice and misunderstanding about their own beliefs and practices.
Using the Eowyn scene from Lord of the Rings, the movement calls for activist women – which they call “Esthers,” after the Biblical character – to change history and bring about a Christian dominion.
Tens of thousands of Christians gathered on the National Mall to pray and advocate for that vision of a Christian-led America. Their grievances ranged from their perceived dangers of secularism to the supposed threats of changing social norms. The event, called “The Turnaround,” was organized by multilevel marketing professional-turned-Christian “apostle,” Jenny Donnelly, along with anti-LGBTQ+ celebrity pastor Lou Engle. Rally attendees held banners reading #DontMessWithOurKids, a slogan that perpetuates the myth that children are being forced into gay and transgender identities.
The event coincided with Yom Kippur, with rally-goers displaying shofars and Israeli flags, symbolizing the Old Testament rituals significant to Evangelical and charismatic Christians. Their affinity for these symbols reflects the belief that prophecies rooted in Old Testament scripture will soon come to pass in Israel.
Although the rally focused on prayer and worship, the looming 2024 presidential election added a distinct political dimension, fueled by a belief that America’s salvation lies in a return to Christian rule. Lance Wallnau, a notable figure among Christian nationalists, captured this sentiment, framing the rally as a “governmental moment” meant to “shift something in the spirit.” It’s rhetoric that resonates with those who view the world in stark binary terms of good versus evil.
A MILLION WOMEN event on the National Mall is happening now.
An Esther Call to the nations.
This is a historic event. #MillionWomen pic.twitter.com/HtdfWKeI68
— Steve Strang (@sstrang) October 12, 2024
As Christian nationalist ideals continue to seep into mainstream politics, the resulting tension towards non-Christian faiths seems poised to escalate.
“We have 31 million Christians, I just found out, they’ve just been so bombarded by woke preachers and apathetic Christians that they don’t think they’re gonna vote this year,” said Wallnau. “Folks, this meeting, on Yom Kippur, is our governmental moment to shift something in the spirit.” Wallnau called on pastors to urge their congregants to vote.
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a charismatic evangelical movement led by self-appointed prophets and apostles, was the main coordinator of the rally. NAR has steadily gained influence in American society. This movement, which blends religion with a far-reaching political agenda, presents a serious concern for the principles of democracy and religious freedom in the United States. These self-styled leaders claim they are called to wage a “spiritual battle” for control of America, advocating for Christian dominance over public schools, social policies, and government institutions, including the courts. Fundamentally, NAR seeks to establish Christian control over all spheres of life, including government and social policy.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has described the NAR as “the greatest threat to US democracy that you have never heard of,” underscoring the movement’s insidious spread across the nation. This article explores the reach of the NAR, its proponents’ radical goals, and the potential impact on American society and democracy.
Some scholars claim that NAR is one of the fastest-growing spiritual movements in the U.S., and the implications for minority religions are profound.
A Coordinated Effort Towards Dominion
The Christian nationalist agenda isn’t limited to religious rhetoric; it’s a coordinated political effort aimed at consolidating power. The recent rally drew inspiration from past movements, such as Peru’s “No te metas con mis hijos,” which used similar fear-based messaging around LGBTQ+ issues to rally conservative support. It’s clear that these gatherings are not isolated events but part of a broader strategy to galvanize support among evangelical Christians.
In her speeches, Donnelly, founder of the Her Voice Movement, has consistently linked her message to a sense of urgency, framing the movement as a grassroots mobilization. Her approach draws heavily from multilevel marketing strategies, organizing women into decentralized “prayer hubs” that double as political organizing tools. These efforts, while ostensibly aimed at religious revival, carry a clear political agenda: to align the country’s future with their vision of a Christian America.
Facing West across The Mall, with one’s back towards the United States Capitol. The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are visible in the background. [Photo Credit: Raul654 – CCA-SA 3.0]
Spiritual Warfare and the Threat to Pluralism
A significant portion of the rally’s rhetoric centered on the notion of spiritual warfare. This language, which casts political opponents as demonic, is not new but is increasingly mainstream within Christian nationalist circles. Wallnau, one of the movement’s most prominent voices, has long promoted the concept of “Seven Mountains Dominionism,” which seeks to exert control over seven key areas of society, including government, education, and media.
Wallnau is the same pastor who has referred to Kamala Harris as a “witch” and a “Jezebel” and suggested that those on the political left might be under demonic influence.
“When I say ‘witchcraft,’ I am talking about what happened tonight. Occult-empowered deception, manipulation, and domination,” Wallnau wrote. He has been and undoubtedly will continue to enable hostility toward our community.
More broadly, such ideology poses a direct threat to the core of American pluralism. When a movement frames itself as fighting a literal battle between angels and demons, it leaves little room for tolerance or compromise.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has warned that the NAR’s influence could erode democratic principles, noting that its leaders have openly sought to blur the lines between church and state.
The story of Higher Purpose Emporium may be just one example, but it underscores a troubling trend. With Christian nationalist rhetoric gaining traction, the Pagan community, along with other minority faiths, faces an uncertain future. Many are beginning to ask what can be done to protect religious diversity in a country where one faith is seeking dominance.
As the NAR continues to grow, its influence on American politics and society is likely to increase. The movement’s decentralized nature, coupled with its emphasis on spiritual warfare, makes it a difficult opponent for advocates of religious freedom and democratic governance.
If nothing else, the events of the past weekend serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness. As Christian nationalism continues to gain momentum, it has the potential to suppress religious diversity in all Paganisms, not to mention other advances in pluralism and inclusivity such as LGBTQ2SI+ rights and women’s rights.
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