The newest installment of “Secular Spotlight” features psychologist and author Mary L. Trump providing a firsthand account of a recent gathering of nonreligious congressional members.
Trump joins “Secular Spotlight” to reflect on the third annual Congressional Reason Reception, where she met with members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and delivered a keynote warning about the dangers of Christian nationalism and authoritarianism. Trump discusses with FFRF Governmental Affairs Director Mark Dann and FFRF Rapid Response Counsel Chris Line why church-state separation is essential to democracy and explains why secular advocacy offers hope for the future.
“The Reason Reception is an antidote to, or a counter to, the National Prayer Breakfast, and that should have everybody thinking, ‘Why is there a National Prayer Breakfast? Why is there a National Day of Prayer?’” Trump says. “People can pray pretty much whenever they want, wherever they want, without having our government sanction such a thing.”
You can catch this episode of “Secular Spotlight” on FFRF’s YouTube channel, as well as by watching on your smart TV after downloading FFRF’s free app, Freethought TV, which also highlights FFRF’s other video programming. Our recent episodes include FFRF staffers breaking down the legislation whitewashing Christianity’s impact on American history, and a historical examination of America’s secular underpinnings. Make sure you’re subscribed to FFRF’s YouTube channel for all the latest updates!
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to defending the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters relating to nontheism. With more than 41,000 members, FFRF is the largest association of freethinkers (atheists, agnostics and humanists) in North America. For more information, visit ffrf.org.
August 4, 2026
