Read more opinion on CNN. Trump posed for photos in front of the church, which was set fire Sunday evening as violent protests raged in Washington, D.C., around the White House. St Johns Church where Trump Held the Bible - Crosswalk from Lafayette Square where protesters were tear gassed to make a path for the Trump, Fencing with protest signs that surrounds Lafayette Square where protesters will gather today to support Trump’s continued attempts to reject the votes of millions of Americans in the name of “Patriotism”- Washington DC President Trump walked to St. John's Episcopal Church following his address to the nation, which was delivered in front of a massive crowd of protesters. By Charles Creitz | Fox News Rev. It was the photograph of the moment. Trump held up a Bible in front of the church. On the morning following the photo at St. John's, Trump reenacted the stunt at a Roman Catholic shrine. He was joined by daughter Ivanka and several other administration officials. Rev. She is currently writing a book about images of Jesus. Trump held up a Bible while posing for pictures with aides including Attorney General William BarrBill BarrBarr told Trump that theories about stolen election were 'bulls---': report Justice Dept. Trump has accused anarchists, looters, antifa and other “radical left-wing groups” of causing the destruction. The morning of Jan. 20, 2017, Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the traditional Inauguration Day church service at St. John’s, where they were met by a … And history has been less than kind to presidents given to theological hubris. President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington. After his address to the nation on the protests and riots in multiple cities, President Donald Trump walked from the White House across Lafayette Park to the historic St. John’s … He'd preached against abortion, homosexuality and feminism, assuring the crowd that God wanted them to vote for Ronald Reagan. Falwell, flanked by a clean-cut choir in front of a row of American flags, had just led an "I Love America" rally in anticipation of the 1980 election. (CNN)The photograph of President Donald Trump at the steps of St. John's Episcopal Church, holding a Bible high, has become an icon of this American moment. Robert Fisher on 'surreal moment' of President Trump visiting damaged St. John's Church. We typically look askance at those who claim a divine right to rule. Together, they tell an important part of the story of American religion and politics over a generation, the reality that has shaped the lives of millions and changed our nation forever. WASHINGTON — The chants of “Black Lives Matter” from Lafayette Square grew louder as we approached the scheduled time for President Donald Trump to speak. In 1980, many clergy (especially rabbis), media (notably Phil Donahue and. Holding a Bible he says, "We have a great country. President Donald Trump stands outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington. "He didn't come to church … While he's tried to paint himself as a champion for religious freedom and has eagerly courted the religious right, Trump … blasts Mexico's decision to close probe of former defense minister Acting attorney general condemns Capitol riots, warns 'no tolerance' for violence at Biden inauguration MORE, chief of staff Mark MeadowsMark MeadowsAuthor: Meadows is history's worst White House chief of staff Agency official says Capitol riot hit close to home for former Transportation secretary Chao Republicans wrestle over removing Trump MORE and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. On June 1, 2020, amid the George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C., law enforcement officers used tear gas and other riot control tactics to forcefully clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square and surrounding streets, creating a path for President Donald Trump and senior administration officials to walk from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church. On Monday, after President Donald Trump visited St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square after it was damaged by rioters, reports emerged that the U.S. Park Police used tear gas to clear peaceful protesters from the location so that Trump could visit. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) B This article has been rated as B-Class on the project's quality scale. Episcopal bishops and clergy, Christian ministers from many denominations, religious leaders from other faiths, and many people of goodwill have, The picture was taken after President Trump announced a new regime of "law and order" to crush the protests following the death in police custody of George Floyd, a black man from Minneapolis. More than two weeks after his controversial photo-op outside a Washington, DC, church, President Donald Trump offered a new explanation last week for why he didn't enter St. John's Episcopal Church. As Trump began to speak … Part of the church … On Monday, after President Donald Trump visited St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square after it was damaged by rioters, reports emerged that the U.S. Park Police used tear gas to clear peaceful protesters from the location so that Trump could visit. In Washington, protesters gathered outside the White House, near the church. It’s often called the “church of the presidents.” According to … The photograph drew ire now, and, I suspect, will long stand out in American history: a picture of a president convinced of his own certainty, of being God's man on a divine mission, one not with grace but a sword. © Reuters / Tom Brenner US President Donald Trump holds up a Bible as he gestures, alongside US Attorney General William Barr (L), White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (2nd-L) and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, outside of St John’s Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, DC on June 1, 2020. 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