Sean Feucht is an American Christian singer, songwriter, former worship leader at Bethel Church, and the founder of the Let Us Worship movement. He unsuccessfully ran as a Republican in California's 3rd congressional district.[1]
Sean Feucht | |
|---|---|
 Feucht performing in 2021 | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Praise & worship |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Labels | Bethel Music |
| Website | www |
After running for Congress, Feucht hosted large outdoor worship gatherings to protest government restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] He has been described in the media as "a worship leader from the epicenter of the New Apostolic Reformation movement",[3] a "[promoter of] Christian dominionism",[4] as well as "at the intersection of far-right Christianity and the MAGA movement."[5][additional citation(s) needed]
Biography
editFeucht and 50 other worship leaders visited President Donald Trump for a faith briefing at the White House amid the run-up to the first impeachment of Trump in December 2019. Feucht said of the event, "We just laid our hands on him and prayed for him. It was like a real intense, hardcore prayer."[6]
Feucht founded Burn 24-7, a prayer and worship movement, in 2005 while attending Oral Roberts University,[7][better source needed] and Light a Candle in 2010, an international outreach movement which hosts short term mission trips and child sponsorships.[8][better source needed] He also founded Hold the Line, a movement intended "to inform, educate, and inspire" young people to become politically active and oppose "the progressive agenda being forced upon America."[9][10][better source needed]
2020 congressional campaign
editFeucht ran as a Republican for California's 3rd congressional district in 2020, coming in third place with 14% of the votes, finishing behind John Garamendi and Tamika Hamilton in the March 3 primary.[11] Feucht ran a socially conservative campaign, which was against high taxes and staunchly critical of abortion calling it "the slaughter of the unborn and the newborn."[1][additional citation(s) needed] Other issues he wanted to focus on included homelessness and affordable housing in California, and expanded parental rights regarding mandatory vaccination and sex education.[12]
Political activism
editOrigins of Let Us Worship concerts
edit
During the later half of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing, Feucht arranged worship concerts across the United States that drew crowds of thousands to protest government restrictions on people gathering during COVID-19 lockdowns. These concerts were later expanded to focus on cities with George Floyd protests to respond to Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters. Feucht labeled the movement Let Us Worship.[13] Feucht stated, "We just feel this call to really target cities that are under extreme turmoil and despair and brokenness" and said it was a new Jesus Movement.[14] Bethel Church, where Feucht is a worship leader, did not financially support him, but wrote a statement of support for his movement and vision.[13]
Problems with permits for concerts
editIn September 2020, Feucht attempted to hold a Labor Day "prayer rally" at Seattle's Gas Works Park. When the city closed the park, he held the rally in the street across from the park.[15] Feucht originally failed to get a permit, but the city allowed the rally when he called it a "worship protest".[14] Later that month, following a concert in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the site of the Kenosha protests, Feucht was prevented from holding a concert on the South Side of Chicago after police threatened to take action against him for not having a permit for the event.[16][additional citation(s) needed]
Concerts in response to racial and political unrest
editIn June 2020, Feucht held a worship concert at the site of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling it the "Minneapolis miracle" and the "HOPE RALLY." Feucht called Floyd's murder an "injustice" and referred to it as "the trauma" and was critical of Black Lives Matter's support for identity politics in online posts prior to the worship session.[17][18]
In August 2020, Feucht led worship concerts called "Riots to Revival" in Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington.[19] The sites of the concerts had recently been the sites of major protests and riots, including Seattle's Cal Anderson Park which had been part of the territory controlled by the Capitol Hill Organized Protest.[19][additional citation(s) needed] Feucht claimed that between 4,000 and 7,000 attended the concert in Portland.[20][additional citation(s) needed]
Claims of political censorship
editFollowing the June 2020 concert in Minneapolis, Feucht stated on Twitter afterwards that he and senior Bethel pastor Beni Johnson were censored by Twitter and Instagram for sharing videos of the events and posting Bible verses.[21][22][additional citation(s) needed] His posts were shared by Senator Josh Hawley who stated "Cancel culture meets #BigTech. Now @instagram is censoring a Christian worship leader who wants to post videos of praise and worship from places where there has recently been unrest."[22][better source needed]
Political concerts
editIn September 2021, Feucht held a Let Us Worship memorial service for the September 11 attacks in Washington D.C., with former president Donald Trump giving a prerecorded address. The following day, worshippers walked around the city praying at the White House, the Supreme Court Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and other landmarks.[23][better source needed]
During the 2022 congressional elections, Feucht performed at campaign rallies in support of Kari Lake and Doug Mastriano.[24][better source needed]
In early 2023, Feucht announced a "Kingdom to the Capitol" tour, co-sponsored by Turning Point USA.[25] The purpose of the tour is to visit every state capital, with swing states being the focus in the 2024 election year.[26][better source needed] In response to this tour, dozens of religious leaders in the Pacific Northwest wrote a public letter denouncing him for "advancing LGBTQ+ bigotry in the language of religion." They were responding to Feucht's comments describing drag queens as "demonic, sick, [and] twisted" and arguing that they were "perverting the minds of children."[27] The tour's last event will be held at the National Mall.[28][better source needed]
ReAwaken America tour
editFeucht has been an active participant in the ReAwaken America tour founded by Clay Clark and sponsored by Charisma News.[29] At the August 2022 tour event in Batavia, New York, Feucht denounced "gender confusion [and] sexual perversion" among young people.[30]
Disney protest
editIn April 2022, Feucht helped lead a protest against The Walt Disney Company for its opposition to anti-LGBTQ legislation.[31][additional citation(s) needed]
Christian persecution and spiritual warfare aspects
editAt a Pennsylvania Kingdom to the Capitol tour rally in October 2024, Feucht stated that Christians have "abdicated authority" and that the Christian nationalist event "is actually not even political... This is actually the most biblical thing you can ever do."[28][better source needed] Feucht states Christian persecution in the US is greater than that of other countries such as North Korea and Afghanistan, saying, "I have never endured the spiritual warfare that I have in the last two years of going to every capital in our nation".[28][better source needed] Matthew D. Taylor calls his claims part of a 'Christian persecution neurosis' or 'complex' and criticizes Feucht for comparing Christians in the US to those receiving what he calls actual persecution in other countries that serve to motivate pushes for Christian dominance or supremacy.[32]
Feucht has claimed the popularity of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz' 2024 campaign is due to demonic forces, ascribing it to "some serious demonic sorcery witchcraft thing" and stating that "they go to churches that are synagogues of Satan."[28][better source needed]
Superspreader movie
editThis section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2022) |
Superspreader, a movie based on Feucht's COVID-19 protest concerts, was released on September 29, 2022.[33][non-primary source needed] The film's website summarized it as "During the COVID-19 lockdowns, an evangelical Christian singer stands up for religious liberties by holding mass outdoor worship concerts."[34][non-primary source needed] According to one critical review, the movie trafficked in conspiracy theories, including that "the stay-at-home measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were more harmful than the deadly virus" and that "those measures were part of a communist plan to take over the country."[35][better source needed]
Criticism and controversy
editMatthew D. Taylor criticized Feucht's use of rhetoric and tactics that he worries puts people in danger from violence as well as his promotion of the ideas and rhetoric of Christian supremacy that evokes images of a guerilla warfare campaign that are incompatible with democracy.[32] He also criticized Feucht's association with Proud Boys and other extreme right-wing militia members, calling him "Goliath with a David complex."[32]
Personal life
editAs of 2020[update], Feucht has a wife, Kate, and four children.[36][better source needed]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Christ. [37] | ||
| Seattle Sessions |
|
— |
| Caught In the Flow |
|
— |
| Rebirth and Reclamation |
|
— |
| Your Presence Is Enough |
|
— |
| Keep This Love Alive |
|
— |
| Songs for Nations |
|
— |
| Messengers |
|
— |
| Sacred Mountains |
|
— |
| The Things We Did at First |
|
37 |
Live albums
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christ. [37] |
US Indie [38] |
US Heat. [39] |
UK C&G | ||
| Kingdoms |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Victorious One – Live at Bethel |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Wild |
|
41 | 41 | 9 | 5[40] |
| Let Us Worship – Portland |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Let Us Worship – Sacramento |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Let Us Worship – Washington, D.C. |
|
38 | — | — | — |
| Let Us Worship – Texas |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Let Us Worship – Azusa (with Kim Walker-Smith) |
|
33 | — | — | — |
Extended plays
editThis section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (September 2020) |
- Boundary Lines (2014)
- Let Us Worship – Tulsa (2020)
- Let Us Worship – Seattle (2020)
- Let Us Worship – Los Angeles (2020)
- Let Us Worship – New Jersey (2020)
- Let Us Worship – New York City (2020)
- Let Us Worship – Nashville (2020)
- Boston (2020)
Singles
editThis section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (September 2020) |
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Raise Our Voice" | Non-album single |
Bibliography
edit- Byrd, Andy; — (September 1, 2010). Fire and Fragrance : From the Great Commandment to the Great Commission. Destiny Image Publishers. ISBN 978-0768432909.
- Lucier, Art; Garlington Sr., Joseph; Lockhart, Sandy; Billman, Nic; Brundidge, Caleb; —; Gibson, Vince; Meyer, Julie; Mitchell, Steve; King, Patricia (November 1, 2011). Worship The King: An Inspiring Devotional That Draws the Heart Into His Presence. XP Publishing. ISBN 978-1936101993.
References
edit- ^ a b Parke, Caleb (September 30, 2019). "Worship leader runs for Congress in California: 'Morals are low, taxes are high'". Fox News. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ Iboshi, Kyle (August 9, 2020). "Hundreds gather at Portland waterfront Saturday evening, without masks, to see controversial worship leader". The Oregonian. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ Ladner, Keri. "The quiet rise of Christian dominionism". The Christian Century. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ White, Jaxon (May 4, 2024). "Pa. conservative lawmakers, faith leaders meet with Christian dominionist activist in Harrisburg". WESA. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ Dickinson, Tim; Voght, Kara (July 11, 2022). "MAGA Preacher Sean Feucht Scored Millions From His Trump-Loving Flock". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ Parke, Caleb (December 11, 2019). "Pastors, worship leaders pray for Trump in Oval Office amid impeachment fight". Fox News. Retrieved 2020-08-16.
- ^ "Burn 24-7".
- ^ "Light a Candle".
- ^ "About". SEAN FEUCHT. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- ^ "Hold the Line". 2020-05-13. Retrieved 2022-04-20.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "California 2020 Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Election Results". KCRA-TV. March 4, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
- ^ Sestanovich, Nick (February 21, 2020). "Sean Feucht sees self as 'outsider' in congressional race". The Reporter (Vacaville). Retrieved 9 August 2020.
- ^ a b Iati, Marisa; Bailey, Sarah Pulliam (September 16, 2020). "Christian worship leader brings controversial prayer rallies to cities roiled by protests". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-09-23.
- ^ a b Duin, Julia (September 8, 2020). "Christian musician Sean Feucht held defiant Seattle worship protest after concert was banned". Religion News Service. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ Misciagna, Vanessa (September 7, 2020). "Hundreds attend 'worship protest' in the streets after Seattle closed Gas Works Park to large crowds". KING-TV. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
- ^ Smith, Samuel (September 18, 2020). "Police prevent Sean Feucht and team from setting up for worship night in Chicago". Christian Post. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
- ^ Graham, Ruth (June 29, 2020). "The Street Corner Where George Floyd Was Killed Has Become a Christian Revivalist Site". Slate. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ Montgomery, Peter (June 18, 2020). "Sean Feucht Calls Black Lives Matter Movement a 'Fraud,' Seeks to Turn 'Riots' Into 'Revival'". Right Wing Watch. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Foley, Ryan (August 10, 2020). "Thousands attend Sean Feucht's 'Riots to Revival' event in Portland: 'Church is rising up'". Christian Post. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
- ^ Wallace, Danielle (August 9, 2020). "Portland sees thousands worship amid coronavirus restrictions hours before riots, fire at police union". Fox News. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ Kumar, Anugrah (June 27, 2020). "Bethel Music's Sean Feucht calls out Instagram, Twitter for censoring Bible verses, worship videos". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ a b Givas, Nick (June 25, 2020). "Hawley blasts big tech for 'censoring' Christian worship leader". Fox News. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ Schwaller, Shawn (September 20, 2021). "Sean Feucht & Far-Right Christians Descend on Washington, D.C. for Sept. 11 'Let Us Worship' Event". anewscafe.com. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
- ^ Fea, John (2022-11-06). "Sean Feucht leads 1000s of MAGA evangelicals in "striking the ground" for "victory" on Tuesday". Current. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ Clarkson, Frederick (2023-06-17). ""Unfriending" America: The Christian right is coming for the enemies of God — like you and me". Salon. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
- ^ Fung, Katherine (2023-02-02). "Pro-Trump Christian leader: MAGA "1,000 percent" fighting "spiritual war"". Newsweek. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
- ^ "Pacific Northwest faith leaders denounce Sean Feucht tour". Jefferson Public Radio. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ a b c d DeJesus, Ivey (October 5, 2024). "At worship service in Harrisburg, Christian nationalist activist Sean Feucht lays out plan for Pa". Pennlive. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Smietana, Bob (November 19, 2021). "Michael Flynn calls for 'one religion' at event that is a who's who of the new Christian right". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- ^ Dinki, Tom (2022-08-21). "'Jan. 6 comes to church': A look at the Christian nationalism surrounding ReAwaken America". WBFO. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ "QAnon adherents/anti-LGBTQ+ extremists protest outside of Disneyland". Los Angeles Blade: LGBTQ News, Rights, Politics, Entertainment. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- ^ a b c Taylor, Matthew D. (October 1, 2024). "Chapter 6". The Violent Take it by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy. Broadleaf Books.
- ^ "New Documentary, SUPERSPREADER, Follows the Worship Leader Who Championed Revival and Liberty During COVID-19 Despite Intense Criticism from Politicians and Mainstream Media". finance.yahoo.com. June 22, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
- ^ "SUPERSPREADER". SUPERSPREADER. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "Sean Feucht 'SUPERSPREADER' Film Pushes Misinformation, Spotlights Redding and Bethel Church – anewscafe.com". 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ "About". Sean Feucht. Archived from the original on 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2020-08-16.
- ^ a b "Sean Feucht Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Christian Albums. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Sean Feucht Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Independent Albums. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Sean Feucht Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Heatseekers Albums. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. November 9, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
