An Idaho preacher at the center of a growing church-state controversy has argued that women should not vote, Catholic processions should be banned and the U.S. war with Iran is a righteous Christian cause. Still, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has continued to welcome him. Pastor Doug Wilson first drew national attention during a CNN interview in August 2025, when the 72-year-old founder of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches made remarks that drew widespread criticism. Wilson said, "Women are the kind of people that people come out of.