Purpose of the study was to equip our diocese with the understanding of why the ideology known as White Christian Nationalism does not align with The Episcopal Church by grounding ourselves in Scripture, Episcopal theology, and Christ’s call to love God and neighbor. Our aim is education—building clarity, compassion, and courage for faith-based civic engagement.
The study concluded with a webinar titled “Interfaith Discussion: The Dangers of White Christian Nationalism” moderated by Bishop Allen K. Shin. The panelists included Katherine Stewart, author and journalist; The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White; The Rev. James A. Lynch, Buddhist teacher and minister; and Hussein Rashid, PhD.
The foundation for this study was a diocesan read of The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith Refounding Democracy by Jim Wallis supplemented by The Crisis of Christian Nationalism Report from The House of Bishop Theology Committee edited by Allan K. Shin and Larry R. Benfield forward by Michael B. Curry.
Curricula are available for two approaches: a six week book study of The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith Refounding Democracy by Jim Wallis or a group discussion based on the ChurchNext course Exploring Christian Nationalism With Jim Wallis. Also there is an option to explore the content on the White Christian Nationalism Resource List and generate your own parish conversation(s).
Click the Links below to access the documents that will assist in this Lenten study
- Track 1: Book Curriculum The False White Gospel An Episcopal Response to White Christian Nationalism (6 week bookread)
- Track 2: Discussion Curriculum for the ChurchNext “Exploring Christian Nationalism With Jim Wallis” course (90 minute session $15 course)
- Slides for the Discussion Curriculum for the ChurchNext “Exploring Christian Nationalism With Jim Wallis”
- White Christian Nationalism Resource List
During the study, questions arose regarding locations in the United States and New York State the ideology was most prevalent. Refer to this summary sourced, mainly from PRRI—Public Religion Research Institute to gain more insight.