This event is part of our 12 Days of Peace virtual event series.

Across the globe, authoritarian movements and religious nationalism are co-opting the name of Jesus to justify domination, exclusion, and violence. How should churches respond? In this session, pastor Rev. Kevin C. Brown and theologian Dr. Ruth Padilla de Borst examine how Christian Zionism and Christian nationalism overlap and diverge—and why both can tilt the church toward authoritarian logic. Drawing from Black church practice, Latin American integral mission, and lived experience in the Holy Land, our panel will reframe Scripture, name harms without fueling antisemitism or Islamophobia, and offer concrete next steps for congregations seeking a Jesus-shaped public witness. Co-hosted by Mercy Aiken and Andy Larsen of Peace Catalyst International.

MEET THE PANEL

REV. KEVIN C. BROWN

Founding and lead pastor of The Perfecting Church (greater Philadelphia/South Jersey), Rev. Kevin C. Brown pastors a growing multi-ethnic congregation and founded Diverse But Not Divided, a network helping churches practice unity amid polarization. He has organized pastoral cohorts and church delegations engaging Israelis and Palestinians at the grassroots, fostering dialogue and reconciliation. His work extends through affiliated community development efforts in the region. Learn more at theperfectingchurch.orgmdiversityconference.comNeighborly Faith

RUTH PADILLA DE BORST

A Latin American evangelical theologian and missiologist, Ruth Padilla de Borst is the Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity at Western Theological Seminary. A leading voice in integral mission (evangelism + justice), she serves with CETI (a learning community across Latin America) and on the networking team of INFEMIT. She and her husband live in Costa Rica as part of the Casa Adobe intentional Christian community. Learn more at Western Theological Seminary+1worship.calvin.eduChurch Of The Servant