Opinion: We Stand United Against Hate
White Christian Nationalism Is A Threat To Our Democracy. Join The Colorado Coalition Of Faith Communities To Learn More
By The Rev. Terri Hobart
and The Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson
Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities
In response to the divisiveness and misinformation that is spreading during this election season, the Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities is compelled to renounce the message of White Christian Nationalism and reaffirm the Christian values of love, peace and inclusion, as well as justice and dignity for all.
We believe that every person — regardless of the color of their skin, where they were born, the language they speak, or whom they love — is created in the image of God. Our faith calls us to embrace diversity, welcome the stranger, care for the marginalized, and work tirelessly for a just and inclusive society where all people can thrive. We know that diversity makes us stronger.
White Christian Nationalism is a political ideology that distorts gospel teachings to promote a political agenda. The values espoused by White Christian Nationalists are an affront to the teachings of Jesus and a threat to our democracy, people on the margins, immigrants, people of color, women, LBGTQ+ community, those of other faith traditions, as well as those who do not belong to a faith community.
White Christian Nationalists believe that white, Anglo, Protestant men should be the power center of America’s cultural identity and political leadership. Their beliefs are contrary to the Christian values of love and inclusivity.
Our Coalition of Faith Communities believes in a pluralistic democracy, where the inherent rights of all should be recognized. We call all Americans to join in protecting and enforcing the separation of church and state.
This fall, the Coalition is offering three public forums — live, virtual, and all of them recorded — to educate neighbors near and far about the history, values, political agenda, and threats by White Christian Nationalism to our individual rights.
Each forum addresses how White Christian Nationalism has infiltrated elected officials, public policy, systems of justice and democracy, and how it endangers our communities. The series includes a documentary and panel discussion, a presentation by a Denver theologian with expertise in religion, politics, and rhetoric, and a talk by a New York Times bestselling historian and author of How to Fight Racism and The Color of Compromise.
The first event was held on Aug. 23. The remaining two events will be held in the Main Hall of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church at 1980 Dahlia St., and will be accessible online at Montview.org. All of the events are free.
• The Aug. 23 event was a screening of Rob Reiner’s documentary God and Country, followed by a panel discussion with these local faith leaders: Terrance Carroll, Esq., Rabbi Adam Morris, The Rev. Terri Hobart and Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson. (Visit Montview.org to stream the film God and Country and watch a recording of the forum.)
• Friday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Guest speaker is The Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson of the Iliff School of Theology Center for Religion, Culture and Politics.
• Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon — Guest speaker is author and historian Dr. Jemar Tisby.
The three forums are co-sponsored by Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Park Hill Congregational UCC, Temple Micah, The Denver Presbytery, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, Colorado; The Episcopal Church of Colorado; Together Colorado, Colorado Council of Churches, United Church of Christ, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and Episcopal Church of the Holy Redeemer.
For a list of Coalition members, a fact sheet, and countering the threat of White Christian Nationalism, visit tinyurl.com/WCN-Facts.
Together, let us stand united in our faith and commitment to justice, working towards a society that reflects the true teachings of Jesus: love, inclusivity, and respecting the dignity of all.
The Rev. Terri Hobart is Rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Park Hill. The Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson is Lead Pastor of Park Hill United Methodist Church. This op/ed was signed by 38 other clergy and members of the Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities.
Editor’s note: We welcome guest opinion columns, as well as letters to the editor, and give preference to those that address current issues and topics that are Park Hill or Denver-specific. Submissions should be sent to editor@greaterparkhill. org. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.