Love thy neighbor.No exceptions.
Love thy neighbor."White Christian Nationalism is the most urgent threat to democracy and the witness of the Church in the United States today."
- Dr. Jemar Tisby, public historian, best-selling author, and cofounder of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective
Table of Contents
This toolkit was created in June 2023, and lightly revised in June 2024 and August 2024. If you are using it for the September 29 sermon drive, please let us know at the Preach and Pray signup form if you haven't already!
1. Introduction
Thank you for taking a stand against dangerous, heretical Christian nationalism. Change can only come when we all speak out with a collective prophetic voice -- which means you're making a difference. Together, we can denounce the hateful, Christofascist hijacking of our faith against democracy and ultimately reclaim Christianity for the Gospel values of love, equality, peace, social justice, and the common good.
As this toolkit will discuss in more detail below, Christian nationalism is the belief that America is a "Christian nation" where a person's civic and religious identities are one and the same and there is no such thing as the separation of church and state. This political ideology paves the way to theocracy, granting special rights to conservative Christians while denying equality to others. As patriotic Americans, we can certainly honor our nation's flag, and as Christians, we venerate Christ before the cross -- but while both objects are of great importance to us, only one is Godly. We should be careful not to turn our country into an idol, always keeping our appreciation for the flag separate from our love for the cross, just as we keep both our Christian and American identities intact but separate.
This toolkit is designed to provide Christian preachers with helpful resources for use in writing a sermon against Christian nationalism and Christofascism -- or for including relevant prayers in your regular worship service. Many non-Christian faith leaders are also deeply concerned about Christian nationalism, and although we at Faithful America are focused on our own faith's traditions and teachings as Christians, we extend to them our deep gratitude and love. Although this toolkit is focused on Christian theologies and perspectives, we do hope that some of the materials in sections 2 and 4 below might also prove helpful to preachers of all faith traditions.
Below you will find general background information on Christian nationalism, specific talking points you might wish to include to educate your congregation, an emphasis on the values that we're for as well as the injustice that we're against (including Scripture references), sermon illustrations you might wish to draw on including examples of Christian nationalism and stories from those it harms the most, and a dose of hope: Examples of what Christians are already doing to resist Christian nationalism, and what your congregation can do too. You'll also find a few sample sermons to watch for inspiration, plus a few sample prayers you may choose to use or modify.
Many thanks again -- we're praying for you!
2. Christian nationalism 101: The basics
Just as Christian nationalism distorts the Bible, it also distorts the Constitution, using selective editing and mental gymnastics to claim these documents say things they don't say. Sometimes Christian-nationalist leaders insist on a literal reading of Scripture and an originalist interpretation of the Constitution; other times they claim the Bible doesn't mean what it says or they ignore the explanations given by the Constitutional framers. This is hypocrisy, something Jesus repeatedly condemns.
3. What Jesus says vs. what Christian nationalism teaches
"Where Christian nationalism spreads QAnon lies, Jesus says the truth shall set us free. Where Christian nationalism incites political violence, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. And where Christian nationalism spreads division and hatred, Jesus calls us to include and love our neighbors -- no exceptions." - The Rev. Nathan Empsall, Faithful America executive director
4. Personal stories and sermon illustrations
Personal Stories from the Frontlines
Some of the best sermons always include stories and compelling illustrations. It's also important to talk about who we support -- putting our voices behind marginalized individuals and communities just as Jesus did -- not just whom we oppose.
To that end, you might consider lifting up examples of people who have been harmed by Christian-nationalist attacks on LGBTQ rights -- perhaps the parents of trans children in Texas, or a school librarian afraid for their job in Florida. You can find some of those stories in the news articles below:
One more haunting example of unholy Christian nationalism: The ReAwaken America Tour
Perhaps the most glaring example of Christian nationalism outside of state legislatures since the January 6 insurrection is the ReAwaken America megachurch tour from Michael Flynn, Roger Stone, Mike "My Pillow" Lindell, and Eric Trump. The tour provides several disturbing images and quotes that can help your congregation recognize the threat of Christian nationalism.
ReAwaken America has been called "A Who's Who of the New Christian Right," "QAnon 2.0," and "January 6 Goes to Church." The event is a touring political rally that blends baptisms, praise music, QAnon misinformation, and election denial. Yes, you read that right: baptisms. Roughly once a month, a crew of high-profile MAGA celebrities, January 6 insurrectionists, and right-wing pastors visit a new state -- usually but not always at a church -- to spread hateful MAGA talking points in Jesus's hijacked name. These pro-Trump political rallies are designed to radicalize Christians, use the church as a vehicle for QAnon misinformation, and ultimately seize power for conservative white evangelicals at any cost. The tour is also the incubator for the new organization "Pastors for Trump," which holds prayer calls and prayer rallies that feature almost no prayer at all, and include more politicians than pastors.
Here are just a few of the more disturbing quotes from ReAwaken America, all shared before audiences of thousands, blessed by the presence of pastors, and legitimized by former General Flynn's three stars:
5. How social-justice Christians are opposing Christian nationalism
"Together, we can defeat fascism with fierce love." - The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church and author of "Fierce Love"
This section is intended to help you move your congregation to action by providing examples of what's already happening. It can also provide a dose of hope after spending so much time on what's -- let's admit it -- a scary and depressing topic!
We've all heard it, over and over again: In the face of so much hypocrisy and twisted Scripture, where is the church? The answer is, we're right here.
First, note that you are not the only preacher tackling Christian nationalism.
Previous sermon drives have been organized by Faithful America, Red Letter Christians, Vote Common Good, the Florida Council of Churches, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, the Clergy Emergency League, and many more. You are but one of thousands of voices in a choir singing across the nation at once!
For years, multiple Christian and multifaith advocacy organizations have been speaking out against Christian nationalism. We encourage you and your parishioners to sign petitions and take other actions to reduce the power of Christian nationalism at faithfulamerica.org, and also to check out the good and diverse work of co-conspirators like Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians, Vote Common Good, Faith in Public Life, the Interfaith Alliance, and more -- the list goes on! These groups don't just stand against hatred and Christian nationalism, either: They also offer a positive witness about the things Jesus taught us to stand for, particularly love, dignity, and social, economic, and racial justice.
But it's not just the independent advocacy groups -- it's the formal church, too. For the past year and a half, Faithful America has been organizing local pastors to speak out against the Christian-nationalist ReAwaken America Tour whenever it comes to town -- and we've been joined in this effort not just by dozens of individual clergy but also by the United Church of Christ's national leadership, the Florida Council of Churches, the New York Council of Churches, the Ohio Council of Churches, and two different Episcopal dioceses.
Some denominational governing bodies have passed resolutions against Christian nationalism. Meanwhile, the "Christians Against Christian Nationalism" campaign has received important endorsements from church leaders like Episcopal Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, ELCA (Lutheran) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop W. Darin Moore of the National Council of Churches USA, and multiple Baptist denominations, as well as authors and leaders like Catholic activist Sister Simone Campbell, Rev. Carlos L. Malavé from the Latino Christian National Network, evangelical authors Jim Wallis and Shane Claiborne, and many more.
Where is the church? We're right here!
So what can YOUR church do after this sermon or service?
The low hanging fruit is to take a closer look at the issue and learn more -- perhaps with a book group, webinar discussion, or short training. You can find recommended books, videos, and curricula at Faithful America's resources page here.
But the most important thing we can do is to show up. We cannot allow Christian nationalism to go unchecked as the only visible and vocal public representative of our faith, or people will believe its leaders when they say they speak for all Christianity. It's up to us to be present in our communities and offer both a counter witness against Christian nationalism and a positive prophetic voice for the values and policies we believe in, expanding equal rights for all regardless of their race, religion, sexual identity, income, physical and mental health, or zip code.
Christian-nationalist organizers have been pushing their followers not just to vote, but to vote in every state and local election -- and also to show up at school board hearings, state legislature committee meetings, city council meetings, and more. Are we showing up too, or are we ceding that ground? Perhaps your church can research local civic calendars and encourage members to start attending regularly.
Other, related actions you might consider include:
A little can go a long way!
6. Thoughts on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, September 29, 2024
Mark 9:38-50
The Gospel for this Sunday shows us numerous ways that Christian nationalism departs from Christianity.
In the first two verses, 38-39, we see the disciples making a mistake that is common to Christian nationalism today: Encouraging division and attempting to punish and push away those who are not part of their own sect. John tells Jesus that someone should not be allowed to engage in ministry "because he was not following us." But Jesus rebukes John, and says that, "Whoever is not against us is for us."
Christian nationalism generally presents and us-vs-them mindset -- either you are a straight, conservative evangelical (or perhaps a straight, conservative Catholic), or you are not a Christian and not a patriotic American. This ignores the beautiful theological and political diversity of Christianity, taking particular aim at Black Church traditions, progressive Catholics, and mainline Protestant churches that hold pro-choice and pro-LGBTQ positions. Yet Christ encouraged us to be of one body, not to divide ourselves by seizing power only for those exactly like ourselves.
Jesus goes on to tell John that we must not cause others to sin or to stumble, which is what we do when we push them aside -- and it is what today’s political leaders and pundits do when they encourage us to prioritize mockery, insults, vanity, hubris, and power.
Finally, Christ tells us to "be at peace with one another," a clear repudiation of the examples of Christian-nationalist political violence outlined previously on this page.
7. Speaking out when politicians misrepresent and abuse our faith
(Faithful America is not a law firm and this section should not be construed as legal advice.)
The Church has a spiritual duty to call out the abuse, weaponization, hijacking, and distortion of our faith. This duty does not cease when that weaponization is done by politicians.
While remaining nonpartisan, churches and preachers can and must name this blasphemy when it occurs -- and publicly correct misleading public statements about religion and Jesus Christ -- as a way of protecting Christian institutions and the Bible from misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Among other points, you may preach and teach and the right-wing pastors who have won headlines by claiming God "anoints" certain candidates are committing theological blasphemy and do not speak for your church.
Certainly in accordance with the separation of church and state, IRS tax laws, and sound theology, no church (nor any person using church-owned resources, such as a pulpit or parish YouTube channel) should ever tell people what candidate or party to vote for or against. As a handy election guide from Bolder Advocacy explains, houses of worship must also avoid “communicating anything that explicitly or implicitly favors or opposes a candidate.”
Churches may, however, play an educational role during election seasons, just as they do outside of elections. This includes, as Bolder Advocacy says, "continu[ing] to advocate for the congregation's policy issues during an election year," publishing legislative scorecards, and "distribut[ing] communications in close proximity to the election that do not expressly advocate for the election or defeat of the candidate, but refer to an elected official who is also a candidate".
It is our understanding that if a public figure or official holds themselves out as a representative of Christianity or God, you as a faith educator can clarify that they do not speak for your Christian church or whom you believe and teach God to be.
We see many right-wing, Christian-nationalist politicians claiming that the left is attacking religion generally and Christianity specifically. Preachers can proclaim that this is not true: Just as there are conservative Christians, there are progressive Christians, and we must publicly push back on these lies about who we are and who we can be.
Perhaps most importantly, if you and your church theologically believe that it is blasphemy for pastors, self-proclaimed prophets, and televangelists to say that God has "anointed" someone for a public office, you and your church should be able to continue publicly sharing this theological teaching about "anointing," and teach that it is your belief that these preachers are committing blasphemy.
The takeaway: Do not tell people whom to vote for or against – and also do not let politicians misrepresent Jesus Christ or claim to speak for your religion. Set the record straight about what values and positions your church teaches, and about what contradicts and twists those teachings.
For more on churches and elections, consult the brief nonpartisan "Election Checklist for Houses of Worship" from the Alliance for Justice and Bolder Advocacy, or for something more in-depth, the nonpartisan "Faith in Elections Playbook" from Protect Democracy and Interfaith America.
8. Sample sermons
When it comes to preaching against Christian nationalism, you're in good company! Here are some additional sermons you can watch for ideas and inspiration.
Preach-And-Pray Against Christian Nationalism
On June 11, 2023, more than 300 clergy and worship leaders affiliated with Faithful America and other organizations participated in our inaugural sermon drive against Christian nationalism. This great article from our friends at Word & Way includes coverage of several of the sermons.
The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson:
The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Benjamin Perry:
Counter Voices Against Christian Nationalism
This video is not of a sermon, but of a Faithful America press conference featuring several national and local faith leaders against Christian nationalism and, specifically, the ReAwaken America Tour when it stopped in Batavia, NY. Speakers include the Rev. Nathan Empsall of Faithful America, Pastor Doug Pagitt of Vote Common Good, the Rev. Jen Butler of Faith in Public Life, and more.
Preachers United Against Christian Nationalism
On October 2, 2022, for World Communion Sunday, Faithful America member Rev. Rebecca Littlejohn organized a previous sermon drive called "Preachers United Against Christian Nationalism." Our friends at Word & Way have a great round-up of some of the sermons -- no videos, but plenty of quotes!
9. Sample prayers
Feel free to use these prayers as written, to edit them as appropriate for your setting, or simply to see them as mere inspiration for crafting your own.
A special note for Episcopalians on the Fourth of July:
We encourage you to avoid using the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)'s Collect for Independence Day, which implies that the Founding Fathers were doing God's will. Such a prayer unintentionally verges into Christian nationalism. Instead, consider using Collect 17, "For the Nation" on page 258, which prays for justice and liberty while also aknowledging that God loves all countries and peoples equally.
Collect for Love and Discernment:
Architect of the world, who created this nation and every other nation with equal measures of love, we come to you this day seeking ways of hearing your voice through the noise of modern life and division, and asking that you be with us and that you help us to keep our ears, eyes, and hearts pointed only towards you and your way of love, this we pray through the Holy Spirit and in your loving Son's name, Amen.
A Prayer for Truth:
Divine Creator, we come to you this day seeking to remember the truth that lives deep within us, your truth. As we seek to uncover your holy truth of love, peace, and justice from the hateful rhetoric of nationalist lies that fill our ears, please remind and strengthen us in our beliefs, that you alone are the truth. That your love is available to all, regardless of the different labels we humans apply to one another. Give us the courage to be your reconciling presence on earth. To be pillars of love in a world defined by anger, fear, and separation. Help us to love our neighbors and ourselves, even when the world tells us we should not, and even when it is hard -- especially when it is hard. Be with us, now and always, Amen.
A Prayer Against Christian Nationalism's Abuse of Faith
Creator God, who has called us to be fishers of people and to show your love to all the nations of this earth: We thank you for founding your Son's church through the rock of Peter, and for welcoming us into a cloud of witnesses and communion of saints that stretches across all time, space, and race. You have charged us, as your church, to work for your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, creating a beloved community where together we practice loving you and loving our neighbors. As a collective church, Lord, we ask your forgiveness for those times when your name has been used not for this mission of love, peace, and truth, but misused for hatred, violence, misinformation, and power. Guide use to be beacons of Christianity, not of Christian nationalism. Help us to raise a prophetic voice so that we may resist the hijacking of your name, provide a counter-witness to the abuse of faith, and do the work building a better world for the oppressed and marginalized, while also examining our own communities and taking the logs out of our own eyes as we attempt to do this heavenly work for you and for others. This we pray through the Holy Spirit and in the loving name of your risen Son Jesus Christ, Amen.
Churches that write their own responsive prayers (e.g. "Prayers of the People") might also consider creating a special version that asks for God's help raising a prophetic voice against Christian nationalism and doing the work of love, peace, truth, equality, and justice, incorporating these themes into your prayers for the traditional categories of the church, the nation, the world, the local community, those who suffer, and the departed.
10. The Flag in the Sanctuary
Beyond preaching and praying, one thing you can do is take the American flag out of your church sanctuary -- or at a minimum, since this is a touchy subject that can turn some congregations against a pastor, at least initiate a conversation to get people thinking about what the flag means there.
For conversations about flags in churches, a great place to start is Faithful America's June 2024 author-talk webinar with Brian Kaylor, co-author of "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism," starting at about the 38:30 mark. Kaylor discusses the history putting the American flag in churches, and makes the powerful point that if a church follows the flag code, it actually has to give the American flag a higher place of honor than any Christian or denominational banner. That is "not only mixing church and state, mixing American and Christian identities, but even suggesting that our American identity trumps our Christian identity. Jesus taught us that you cannot serve two masters."
For reading materials on this topic, we also recommend "Flag Placement in Church: How to Have the Conversation" by the Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade, as well as this essay by the Rev. Rebecca Littlejohn: "Why My Congregation Removed Flags From Our Church’s Sanctuary."
You might also read "I’m a conservative Christian. I’ve got a problem with the flag" by Scott Collins at Baptist News Global and "10 Reasons Why U.S. Flag Should Not Be in Your Sanctuary" from Craig Watts at Good Faith Media.
11. Additional resources
For additional resources against Christian nationalism (including book recommendations, webinars, discussion guides, and more), visit this page on the Faithful America website.
And to help congregants recognize Christian nationalism when they see it, you can learn more about specific Christian-nationalist leaders in both church and society at Faithful America's webpage "False Prophets Don't Speak for Me."
Thank you for everything you do to love your neighbor and lead your community in doing the same!