[Episcopal Diocese of Michigan] A best-selling author on the rise of Christian nationalism urged Michigan church leaders to prepare their congregations to navigate what is likely to be political and social turbulence after the November presential election.
Kristin Kobes Du Mez told a gathering of 60 people from 13 churches in the Diocese of Michigan on Oct. 2 that claims of election fraud, and possibly violence, are expected if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the Nov. 5 election. With 15 Electoral College votes, Michigan is a key battleground state for both Democrats and Republicans.
“One thing churches can do is prepare — prepare to be a voice of calm, and prepare your members to stay calm and resilient,” said Du Mez, a history and gender studies professor at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, and author of the best-selling book “Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.”
Du Mez was asked how those with moderate and progressive views should respond to others who believe in Christian nationalism, which she defined as the idea that the United States was founded as an evangelical Christian nation and should be defended as such.
She said people should avoid the “persecution narrative” and culture war language that reinforce the idea there isn’t a place for Christians in modern society.
“[Christian nationalists] are always looking to weaponize things. We have to be so much smarter and the way to be smart is to be kind, and respect the dignity of others and to give them a sense of belonging,” Du Mez said.
Du Mez spoke as part of the Diocese of Michigan’s “Responding Faithfully to this Election” voter education series. Launched on July 4, the diocese’s election education and outreach program is built around Bible verse Mark 10:45, “The son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.”
Next week, the diocese will hold a session that expands on how people of faith can respond to Christian nationalism in their communities. The meeting is 7 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 9. Join in person at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Lansing or on Zoom. Click Here To Register
“Our upcoming presidential election is taking place in the midst of deep divides and paralyzing polarization in our country,” said Michigan Bishop Bonnie A. Perry. “Understanding the roots and dangers of Christian nationalism are important parts of being informed Christians — and voters.”