The Million Esthers
A Million Women: An Esther Call to the Mall," held on October 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C., was a mass religious gathering spearheaded by evangelist Lou Engle, ostensibly to mobilize women in prayer and fasting for national renewal. Framed around the biblical figure of Esther, the event drew an estimated 250,000 attendees in person and millions more online, supported by various churches and Christian organizations. While its proponents hailed it as a spiritual call to action, critics pointed to its alignment with dominionist theology and its ties to right-wing Christian nationalism, raising concerns about the political undertones of its messaging. The event underscored the growing influence of religious activism in American politics, reflecting both the fervor of its supporters and the unease of those wary of its broader implications.
