House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a dual challenge from both his House colleagues and a Christian community that is expressing its disapproval. Over 12,000 Christians have signed a petition initiated by Faithful America, a Christian group advocating for social justice causes and opposing “Christian nationalism.” The petition condemns Johnson’s endorsement of Pastor Jack Hibbs for the role of House Guest Chaplain.
The petition calls on Johnson to commit to following the rules of the Guest Chaplain program, emphasizing religious diversity, inclusion, justice, and peace. The goal was initially set at 10,000 signatures and quickly surpassed, prompting organizers to raise the target to 15,000.
Pastor Jack Hibbs’s attendance at the January 6 MAGA rally in Washington, D.C., and his subsequent attempt to justify the pro-Trump insurrection have drawn criticism. The petition highlights Hibbs’s history of making derogatory remarks about Jewish and Muslim Americans.
The role of the Guest Chaplain, according to the petition, is to encourage love and common purpose, not to promote hate, lies, or threats. The petition asserts that individuals with a history of promoting division and hate, such as Hibbs, should not be welcomed on the House floor.
This is not the first time Faithful America has taken a stand against Speaker Johnson. In the past, the organization circulated a petition when he assumed the role of House Speaker, describing him as potentially the “most dangerous Christian nationalist leader” in the U.S. government.
The controversy surrounding Johnson’s support for Hibbs gained attention earlier this month when 26 House Democrats, including Representatives Jared Huffman, Jamie Raskin, and Mark Pocan, signed a letter questioning the decision. The letter condemned Hibbs for his “long record of spewing hateful vitriol” and his endorsement of former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.
Faithful America’s petition against Speaker Johnson demonstrates a growing concern among Christians regarding the promotion of divisive figures in positions of influence, emphasizing the importance of religious leaders who advocate for unity and inclusivity. The controversy adds to the ongoing debate about the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice in the United States.
