White Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that says America should be a Christian nation and that good Christians must be American nationalists. In the U.S. context, Christian nationalism is rooted in whiteness, is usually (though not exclusively) used to prop up right-wing policies, and is a major driver of authoritarianism, political violence, patriarchy, homophobia, and antisemitism. All of this is done in the abused and misused name of Jesus Christ, making white Christian nationalism one of the greatest threats to both democracy and the church today. In this presentation, we will explore the following questions and more:
- What is Christian nationalism, and how widespread is it?
- Where does Christian nationalism show up in American politics?
- Where does Christian nationalism show up in Episcopal churches?
- How can our Episcopal parishes bear witness and organize against Christian nationalism?
FACILITATOR: Before becoming priest-in-charge at St. PJ’s in New Haven, the Reverend Nathan Empsall was executive director of Faithful America from 2019-2025, a national Christian organization with nearly 200,000 members working for social justice and against Christian nationalism. Nathan’s resources against Christian nationalism have been highlighted by the Southern Poverty Law Center. He has written about the issue for NBC, Newsweek, Time, Red Letter Christians, and more. Faithful America victories during his tenure included persuading Fisher Price to change the white Jesus toy in its Nativity playset, convincing multiple stations to drop the Jim Bakker Show, and counter-protesting Christian-nationalist events across the country. Originally from East Texas and North Idaho, Nathan worked for the Sierra Club and Organizing for America in DC before attending seminary. He has also interned for the Episcopal Church’s public-policy and United Nations ministries and with the dioceses of Louisiana, Nebraska, and Spokane.
Event Timeslots (2)
Session Three (2:15–3:45 PM)
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April 27
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