Is the National Prayer Breakfast Surrounded by a “Christian Mafia”? Religious Publicity and Secrecy Within the Corridors of Power

Abstract

One of nation's most public annual events that bridge religious and political realms is National Prayer Breakfast. One of most secretive religious groups among country's elite is referred to as the Fellowship. Many do not realize that two are linked very closely, for Fellowship administers National Prayer Breakfast and supports attendant prayer breakfast movement. I find this relationship is integral to both dimensions of Fellowship, yet movement insiders demonstrate a clear preference for private and secretive elements and minimize role of public legitimation for group and its activities. Data for this article are based on interviews with approximately 300 societal leaders and leaders of religious institutions as well as archival material and participant-observation surrounding National Prayer Breakfast, wider prayer breakfast movement, and its sponsoring organization, International Foundation.