Empire exists to serve the interests of the rich and powerful, often at the expense of the poor and powerless. Whether the empire is Roman, German, or American, its interests stand diametrically opposed to the interest of the Church. Christian Nationalism in the United States dresses the interest of empire in religious garb, turning acts of worship into performative displays of “patriotism.” The result multiplies harm to both civil society and the witness of the Church to the reign of God in which the last become first, the first become the servant of all, and the least become the greatest.
Recognizing that we are at an inflection point in the history of our country, people from across the denominational landscape have formed Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Would you add your testimony to the cloud of witnesses gathering across the church to declare that the Reign of God is one comes when we proclaim good news to the downcast, recovery of sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and release to the captive? Christian Nationalism seeks to cast down people it declares unworthy, blind us to the reality of the harm it creates, oppress those it declares “other”, and imprison those who disagree with it. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton provides a brief explanation on this video and the buttons below will take you to the full statement, as well as a form to express your support of the Church by opposing one of today’s most popular alternatives: Christian Nationalism.
“Christian nationalism identifies a human government with God’s will and seeks privilege for Christians from the state. Lutherans teach that government should be held accountable to God but not ever identified with God’s will. The ELCA is committed to strengthening public space as a just place for all regardless of religion or worldview and will defend the full participation of all in our religiously diverse society. This common statement is an important witness on these matters.”
Elizabeth Eaton
ELCA Presiding Bishop
Ready to take a stand for Jesus as the definition of Christianity?
