Oxford, Mississippi, USA: U.S. Vice President JD Vance has stirred controversy after stating that he hopes his wife, Usha Vance, might one day embrace Christianity. His comments, made at a Turning Point USA event held at the University of Mississippi, have sparked a fresh debate over interfaith relationships, religious freedom, and mutual respect within families.
During a Q&A session, an attendee of Indian origin asked about his wife’s faith. Vance replied, “My wife didn’t grow up Christian. She was raised in a Hindu household, though it wasn’t strongly religious in either direction.”
He went on to explain that he and Usha decided to bring up their children in the Christian faith. “Our older kids attend a Christian school. In fact, our eight-year-old received his first communion last year,” Vance noted.
The vice president also shared that his wife often accompanies him to church. “Most Sundays, Usha joins me for Mass. I’ve said before—and I’ll repeat here—that I do hope someday she feels the same spiritual calling that I did. I believe deeply in the Christian message and would love for her to share that belief,” he said.
Vance, however, emphasised that his wife’s religious choice is entirely her own. “If she doesn’t, that’s fine. God gives everyone free will, and that’s something I respect completely. Faith should never be forced; it’s something that grows from personal conviction,” he added.
His remarks triggered an online debate. Many critics accused Vance of showing insensitivity toward Hinduism and attempting to impose his beliefs. One social media user wrote, “She’s a practising Hindu, and he’s trying to convert her—this highlights the problem with religious exclusivity.”
Others, however, defended Vance, saying he was simply expressing hope rooted in his faith. One commenter posted, “Praying for Usha. A spiritually united marriage is a blessing.”
Earlier this year, Usha Vance opened up about their interfaith home during an appearance on Meghan McCain’s podcast “Citizen McCain.” She mentioned that while their children go to a Catholic school, they are free to decide whether or not to be baptised. Usha also recalled that when she met JD at Yale Law School, he was not yet Catholic and converted later. Although she fully supports his faith journey, she clarified that she does not plan to convert herself.
