Two prominent Nigerian clerics, Pastor William Kumuyi and Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, were part of events surrounding the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Their participation highlighted the connections between African evangelical Christianity and U.S. conservative politics.
Pastor Kumuyi’s Role
Pastor William Kumuyi, founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church and convener of the Global Crusade With Kumuyi, was invited to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony but could not attend due to weather-related changes. Instead, he participated in a prayer service for Trump and met with influential conservative groups, including Turning Point USA, to discuss partnerships for global evangelism.
Kumuyi’s Global Crusade ministry has a large global following, with 120,000 weekly attendees at its services. During his visit, he also delivered a prayer at the “Inauguration Praise & Prayer Convocation,” hosted by U.S. evangelical leaders Jim Garlow and Tony Perkins.
Nathaniel Bassey’s Performance
Renowned gospel artist and pastor Nathaniel Bassey was the only African artist to perform at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast, a non-political, faith-based event held before the official swearing-in ceremony.
Bassey, a celebrated Nigerian singer, trumpeter, and creator of the globally popular Hallelujah Challenge on social media, described his participation as a reflection of the unity of Christians worldwide. Though widely recognized as a gospel artist, he also serves as a youth pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria.
Why Were They There?
In a statement, Pastor Kumuyi explained that his participation was aimed at celebrating “a return to religious freedom in America” and supporting efforts to combat religious persecution globally. Trump has a strong appeal among evangelical Christians, both in the U.S. and parts of Africa, due to his vocal support for religious freedom and conservative values.
During his first term, Trump prioritized religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy, including hosting the first-ever ministerial focused on the topic. Analysts suggest that the presence of influential Nigerian clerics like Kumuyi and Bassey at his inauguration underscores the mutual benefits of their alignment.
The Political Implications
Dion Forster, a professor of public theology, suggests that Kumuyi’s attendance enhances his global influence while offering Trump a platform to extend his appeal beyond traditional U.S. political structures. Trump’s team may see African evangelical leaders as a means to strengthen ties with conservative Christians on the continent, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels.
Caleb Okereke, editor of Minority Africa, argues that the alignment between U.S. conservatives and African evangelicals reflects shared political views, particularly around issues like LGBTQ+ rights. However, he points out the irony of Trump’s African popularity given his past derogatory remarks about the continent and restrictive immigration policies.
A Broader Context
The presence of Kumuyi and Bassey at events linked to Trump’s inauguration symbolizes a deeper relationship between U.S. conservative politics and African evangelical Christianity. This connection reflects a shared ideological focus that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, even amid controversies surrounding Trump’s past statements and policies affecting Africa.