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Labor Department's Prayer Service Sparks Church-State Controversy

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor held its prayer service on December 10, 2025, drawing criticism for potentially violating the separation of church and state.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, U.S. Secretary of Labor, hosted the event, which included speeches and prayers, including remarks by Rabbi Yaakov Menken that disparaged LGBTQ+ identities.
Employees expressed discomfort, and Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) urged Chavez-DeRemer to cancel, citing misuse of government resources and concerns about coercion.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor held its prayer service on December 10, 2025, drawing criticism for potentially violating the separation of church and state.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, U.S. Secretary of Labor, hosted the event, which included speeches and prayers, including remarks by Rabbi Yaakov Menken that disparaged LGBTQ+ identities.
Employees expressed discomfort, and Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) urged Chavez-DeRemer to cancel, citing misuse of government resources and concerns about coercion.