Who is Doug Wilson? The controversial pastor sparks backlash after Pentagon prayer service with Defense Secretary Hegseth

The Pentagon has come under scrutiny after hosting pastor Doug Wilson at its latest monthly Christian prayer service. The invitation drew criticism over the 72-year-old pastor’s earlier controversial views on issues such as women’s suffrage and slavery.

Wilson joined US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon event, part of a worship series launched in May 2025. The appearance drew backlash from some active-duty personnel, veterans, and defense contractors who described the invitation as troubling and inappropriate for a government institution.

According to the Military.com website, a photo of Hegseth with his hand on Wilson’s shoulder was posted on X with the caption: “We have gathered at the Pentagon for our monthly worship service. We are One Nation Under God.”



The Pentagon has continued the services in person and via livestream on DVIDS despite the backlash.

All about Doug Wilson, the controversial pastor

Doug Wilson is a pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, known for controversial views on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and slavery.

He founded the Congregation of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), a denomination that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been affiliated with, and recently announced that Pastor Brooks Potteiger would move to Washington, DC, to lead Christ Church DC.

Some of Doug Wilson’s past comments have been criticized as sexist, including his claim that allowing women to vote was a mistake. The 72-year-old pastor said wives and mothers are the “chief executive” of the home, entrusted with raising “eternal souls.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later shared a clip of the interview on X, writing: “All of Christ for All of Life.”

Wilson has faced backlash for controversial remarks on slavery, telling the Associated Press that alongside “horrific maltreatment” were accounts resembling Disney’s 1946 film “Song of the South.” He has said he is willing to accept the label of “Christian nationalist,” opposed COVID-19 health measures, and consistently spoken out against abortion and same-sex marriage.

Response from the Pentagon

"Secretary Hegseth, along with millions of Americans, is a proud Christian and was glad to welcome Pastor Wilson to the Pentagon today,” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said according to the Military.com website.

She added, "Despite the Left's efforts to remove our Christian heritage from our great nation, Secretary Hegseth is among those who embrace it.”