Theocracy Watch: Week of October 4, 2026
The Pentagon opens an Office of Religious Affairs, six states still have blasphemy laws, and schools in four states back off.
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This week: the Pentagon opens an Office of Religious Affairs, six states still have blasphemy laws, and public schools in four states back off after complaints.
Hegseth opens a religious office at the Pentagon
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs on September 30. In announcing it, he cited Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” said the military was “putting on the full armor of God” because “the real battle is spiritual,” and declared, “God is good. Evil is not. And America’s military must understand the difference.” The Freedom From Religion Foundation has opened an investigation and will file a Freedom of Information Act request for records on how the office was created, how it will operate, and how it is funded.
Six states still have blasphemy laws
Blasphemy laws sound like a relic, but six U.S. states still have them on the books. The newest episode of FFRF’s “Secular Spotlight” on YouTube, hosted by Ryan Jayne and Mickey Dollens, covers the history of these laws and how to help repeal them, and talks with filmmaker George Kalman about his successful challenge to Pennsylvania’s blasphemy law.
A Georgia superintendent preached at a mandatory staff event
At the mandatory July 28 convocation for the Douglas County School System in Douglasville, Georgia, Superintendent Trent North reportedly preached to employees in his official capacity, quoted Bible verses, said he believes God sent him to “save Douglas County Schools,” and told staff that “we don’t need church just on a Sunday, we need to teach our students to worship.” After numerous employees reported it, FFRF says it has made certain that future staff events will not be treated like church.
Schools back off
Laurens County, Georgia: The district organized and promoted Christian “prayer walks” at every school each year, inviting families to “a time of WORSHIP and PRAYER.” After a student contacted FFRF, the prayer walks were halted. FFRF
Muskogee, Oklahoma: Muskogee Public Schools canceled a school-sponsored prayer walk planned for August 12 at its 6th and 7th Grade Academy after a parent alerted FFRF. FFRF
Brussels, Illinois: Brussels CUSD 42 removed an Easter message from the district’s official Facebook page after FFRF intervened. FFRF
Smoky Valley, Kansas: Smoky Valley USD 400 removed a post referencing biblical scripture from its official Facebook account at FFRF’s request. FFRF
Around the world
Morocco: Ibtissame Betty Lachgar is in prison for wearing a T-shirt that insults Islam. On Freethought Radio, Maryam Namazie, president of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Great Britain, talks about the campaign to free her. FFRF
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