JD Vance’s New Book Cover Features Church Mistake

Vice President JD Vance’s forthcoming memoir has drawn attention for its cover photo. The image depicts Mount Zion Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. That building is a United Methodist house of worship, not Catholic.

The cover photograph

Political reporter Joe Perticone of The Bulwark identified the church. He noted Mount Zion is a popular stock image because of its photogenic setting.

Observers said the new book cover choice created a church mistake that surprised some readers. The photograph stands out given Vance’s public Catholic faith.

About the memoir

The title is Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith. Harper will publish the book under its Harper imprint. The release date is June 16.

HarperCollins describes the work as an intimate account of why Vance left the Christianity of his youth. It also explains what brought him back to faith.

Personal background

Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019. He has spoken publicly about losing and regaining his faith.

Earlier work and public profile

Vance first gained national attention with Hillbilly Elegy in 2016. That memoir chronicled his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, and summers in Appalachia.

The earlier book helped raise his profile and opened political opportunities. It positioned him as a commentator on rural, working-class voters.

Political context

Vance began as a critic of Donald Trump. He later became Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election.

During a debate with Democratic nominee Tim Walz, Vance said he had been misled when he once compared Trump to Hitler. Speculation has grown about a possible 2028 presidential bid.

Political observers note many hopefuls publish books before launching campaigns. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently released memoirs.

A Vance spokesperson directed inquiries to the publisher. Filmogaz.com contacted HarperCollins for comment.