Christianity on display at Capitol riot sparks new debate
Leaders speak out to denounce misuse of faith to justify attack
By Associated Press
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A man holds a Bible as Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6. (Associated Press files)
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WASHINGTON — The Christian imagery and rhetoric on view during last month’s Capitol insurrection are sparking renewed debate about the societal effects of melding Christian faith with an exclusionary breed of nationalism.
The rioters who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, leading to federal charges against more than 130 people so far, included several people carrying signs with Christian messages, and video showed one man in a fur hat and horns leading others in a prayer inside the Senate chamber. They also included multiple current or former members of the U.S. military or law enforcement, as well as a West Virginia state lawmaker.