OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A recent resolution passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives declaring “Christ is King” has sparked significant controversy and reignited debates over the separation of church and state.
The resolution, passed just days before Easter, was framed by supporters as a symbolic gesture honoring the Christian faith and its cultural significance to many Oklahomans. However, critics argue that it crosses a constitutional line, excluding those of other faiths or no faith at all, and setting a precedent for further religious influence in public policy.
“This has nothing to do with being anti-religion. This is about being pro-Constitution,” said State Representative Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, during a press conference on Wednesday. “Declaring one’s God king over another person’s God isn’t just exclusionary, it’s an attack on one’s religious freedom.”
Dollens, along with several other Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups, voiced concerns that the resolution represents more than just a symbolic statement. He cited recent actions by the state government — including approval of the nation’s first religious charter school and the use of public funds to distribute Bibles — as part of what he views as a broader push to infuse Christian ideology into public institutions.
“This narrative primes the public to accept future laws that aren’t just symbolic, but that actually discriminate and do harm to others,” Dollens warned.
Supporters of the resolution pushed back against the criticism. Senator Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, who co-authored the measure, said the resolution was intended as a “warm, inspirational” gesture and not an infringement on religious freedom.
“It’s simply recognizing the role of Christ in the lives of many Oklahomans,” Jett said. “There’s a misconception about the separation of church and state — it doesn’t mean religion must be erased from public life. Quite the opposite, it protects our right to freely express it.”
Other Republican lawmakers echoed Jett’s sentiments, defending the resolution as consistent with the nation’s founding values. “To say that God has no place in the American government is foolishness,” said Rep. JJ Humphrey, R-Lane. “You need to go back and look at your history.”
The resolution sparked a two-hour debate on the House floor, with members of both parties expressing frustration over the time spent. While non-binding and largely symbolic, the measure has stirred deep divisions and raised ongoing questions about the role of faith in government.
Legal experts and civil rights organizations are monitoring the situation closely, noting that while symbolic resolutions may not carry legal force, they can have cultural and political ramifications — particularly when tied to broader policy trends.
As Oklahoma continues to grapple with questions of religious expression and constitutional boundaries, the “Christ is King” resolution stands as the latest flashpoint in a wider national conversation.
