On May 8, 2025 the WCGOP passed a resolution declaring the impropriety of public endorsements at State Conventions during invocations. The text of that resolution is shown here.
Whereas the purpose of an invocation at a political party convention is to establish a respectful and often spiritual tone, to call upon God to guide the proceedings, to foster a sense of shared values among attendees even where some political differences may exist, and request God’s blessings upon the convention, our party,
our state, and our nation;
Whereas the invocation was performed at the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) Convention on February 22, 2025;
Whereas the speaker performing the invocation used the platform to publicly endorse one of three candidates running for State Chairman, an action outside the scope of the designated role; and
Whereas this endorsement was met with significant disapproval from delegates, evidenced by loud booing from the convention floor;
Therefore, be it resolved, the Washtenaw County GOP considers this public endorsement during the invocation at the MIGOP Convention on February 22, 2025, a breach of the expected neutrality and purpose of the role, as well as an action that detracted from convention decorum, as evidenced by the delegates’ response. We respectfully request that MIGOP Chairman Jim Runestad take the necessary steps to clarify the intended scope and tone of the invocation, providing guidance to ensure future adherence to protocol. Additionally, we urge MIGOP to develop and distribute clear guidelines for invocation speakers to prevent similar occurrences at future MIGOP events.
Whereas the purpose of an invocation at a political party convention is to establish a respectful and often spiritual tone, to call upon God to guide the proceedings, to foster a sense of shared values among attendees even where some political differences may exist, and request God’s blessings upon the convention, our party,
our state, and our nation;
Whereas the invocation was performed at the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) Convention on February 22, 2025;
Whereas the speaker performing the invocation used the platform to publicly endorse one of three candidates running for State Chairman, an action outside the scope of the designated role; and
Whereas this endorsement was met with significant disapproval from delegates, evidenced by loud booing from the convention floor;
Therefore, be it resolved, the Washtenaw County GOP considers this public endorsement during the invocation at the MIGOP Convention on February 22, 2025, a breach of the expected neutrality and purpose of the role, as well as an action that detracted from convention decorum, as evidenced by the delegates’ response. We respectfully request that MIGOP Chairman Jim Runestad take the necessary steps to clarify the intended scope and tone of the invocation, providing guidance to ensure future adherence to protocol. Additionally, we urge MIGOP to develop and distribute clear guidelines for invocation speakers to prevent similar occurrences at future MIGOP events.