This event is part of our 12 Days of Peace virtual event series.
The soul of the church in America is in crisis. Throughout our congregations, harmful theologies have taken root that fuse religious and political identities together. Whether from the pulpit, the pews, or a politician's mouth, Christian nationalism—the belief that America should and must be a Christian country—is corrupting our churches and society. And because this nationalism is so entwined with other harmful forms of domination and social hierarchy-based ideologies—white supremacy, Christian Zionism, religious fundamentalism, authoritarianism, and more—our parishioners and communities are suffering as a result.
What can be done? How can we name and uproot Christian nationalism in our congregations, lead and disciple our churches to resist its influence, and begin to heal the bodies and souls of those it has harmed? Join authors, scholars, and experts on the study of Christian nationalism Rev. Angela Denker and Dr. Drew Strait to learn how churches and church members are being harmed, how the political and religious landscape has changed in the past year, and how pastors, leaders, and concerned Christians can respond with courage and care.
MEET THE PRESENTERS
Angela Denker
Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. Her second book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, came out on March, 25, 2025. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian Nationalism.
Pastor Angela lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian Nationalism and its theological and cultural roots. She also serves Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis as Pastor of Visitation and Public Theology.
You can read more of her work on Christian Nationalism, American culture, social issues, journalism, theology, and parenting on her Substack, I'm Listening.
Drew Strait
Drew J. Strait is a dad, pastor, theologian, speaker, and professor. His writing and teaching focuses on political idolatry and peacemaking in early Christianity. Strait is a popular speaker on how faith communities can challenge Christian nationalism, violent extremism, and Christian supremacy with strategic nonviolence. He is the author of Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism.