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Pastor William Kumuyi had been scheduled to attend Monday’s inauguration ceremony before the venue was changed
On January 20, 2025, two prominent Nigerian clerics, Pastor William F. Kumuyi and gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey, participated in events surrounding the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the deepening ties between African evangelical leaders and American political figures.
Pastor William F. Kumuyi, founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church and convener of the Global Crusade With Kumuyi, was invited to attend President Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. However, due to inclement weather necessitating a venue change, he was unable to be present at the ceremony. Undeterred, Pastor Kumuyi engaged in other inauguration-related activities, including attending a prayer service for the incoming president and meeting with political groups. Notably, he met with Congressman Robert Pittenger and Pastor Lucas Miles of Turning Point USA to discuss potential collaborations for global evangelism.
William Kumuyi (R) met several leading US evangelical figures including Jim Garlow (L) of the Well Versed ministry
On January 19, Pastor Kumuyi delivered a prayer at the Inauguration Praise & Prayer Convocation, hosted by U.S. pastors Jim Garlow and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. During his address, he emphasized the importance of holiness and righteousness as precursors to renewal and revival, challenging American church leaders to uphold these values.
Pastor Nathaniel Bassey is well-known as a gospel musician
Gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey, renowned for his music and the Hallelujah Challenge worship program on social media, performed at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on January 20. This non-political, faith-based event was held ahead of the swearing-in ceremony and was not part of the official celebrations. Pastor Bassey was the only African artist to perform at this event, further underscoring the global reach of his ministry.
The participation of these Nigerian clerics in the inauguration events underscores the strengthening relationship between African evangelical leaders and the U.S. administration.
President Trump has garnered support among evangelical Christian voters in the U.S. and has expressed intentions to uphold Christian values. In 2019, during his first presidential term, he hosted the first meeting of foreign ministers focused solely on religious freedom. A 2020 Executive Order further emphasized that “religious freedom for all people worldwide is a foreign policy priority of the United States.”
Analysts suggest that the involvement of figures like Pastor Kumuyi and Nathaniel Bassey could bolster President Trump’s influence among religious communities in Africa, providing an alternative avenue to traditional diplomatic channels. Dion Forster, professor of public theology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, notes that such engagements allow both parties to benefit: Pastor Kumuyi demonstrates his global connections, while President Trump taps into the pastor’s popularity to extend his influence.
This collaboration reflects a broader alignment of conservative ideals between U.S. political figures and African evangelical leaders, particularly on issues such as religious freedom and moral values. The mutual engagement signifies a strategic partnership aimed at promoting shared beliefs and expanding evangelical influence across continents.
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