In the midst of political divisions and rising nationalism, many feel powerless and isolated. Hope in a Divided World: A Faithful Response to Christian Nationalism on March 7-8,was an opportunity for over 200 people to connect and explore different ways to confront forces feeding on hate and difference. Held at United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, this weekend gathering explored how people of faith can confront and respond to the growing threat of Christian nationalism, with keynote speakers Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, President of the International Bonhoeffer Society-English Language Section, and Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty) and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism.

The weekend began with a reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum and a dinner accompanied by a talk by Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood titled, “The Unfinished Work of Gettysburg.” Dr. Smallwood serves as the Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at ULS, and the James Franklin Kelly and Hope Eyster Kelly Associate Professor of Public Theology. Her talk wove together the history of Gettysburg, the legacy of confronting Christian Nationalism, and our current call to discipleship as a continuing the work of racial justice and reconciliation.

On Saturday morning, Amanda Tyler highlighted her work with Christians Against Christian Nationalism and her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism. Throughout her presentation, she emphasized the need for Christians, and all people of faith, to come together to learn more about the ways to address and dismantle forces of nationalism that are antithetical to their understanding of their faith. The Rev. Amy Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, issued a call to action that tied the work of Amanda Tyler to the work of ELCA Advocacy and state public policy offices, such as LAMPa.

As President of the International Bonhoeffer Society, Dr. Brandt Hale has been a leading voice highlighting the misuse of the life and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, especially by those who espouse Christian Nationalism. Her keynote drew on her curriculum, “Lessons from Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire,” and expanded the audience’s understanding of Bonhoeffer’s theology and how it calls us to deeper discipleship in this time.

“In late 1942, Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been living under the conditions of National Socialism for ten years,” Brandt Hale said. “He described it in this way: ‘The huge masquerade of evil has thrown all ethical concepts into confusion. That evil should appear in the form of light, good deeds, historical necessity, social justice is absolutely bewildering for one coming from the world of ethical concepts we have received.” Our own bewildering times are marked by evil masquerading as freedom, masquerading as efficiency, masquerading as righteousness.”

Dr. Brandt Hale, Tyler, Rev. Reumann, and Dr. Smallwood gathered for a panel discussion in the afternoon, answering questions from those present and from virtual participants from across the country.

The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will preached during the closing worship. Bishop Eaton has addressed Christian nationalism in the past, stating, “An element in our country wants to legislate that the United States is a Christian nation where Christianity should be privileged and only Christians should hold office. This is Christian nationalism, which is neither Christian nor patriotic.” Bishop Eaton’s powerful words highlight the ongoing battle against ideologies that seek to marginalize and exclude, rather than embrace the values of justice and inclusion.

Participants left the weekend filled with hope and a sense of solidarity that they are not alone in the work of confronting Christian nationalism, and that looking to models like Bonhoeffer and Tyler, disciples are called to bolder discipleship and witness in the world.

You can watch the recordings of Saturday’s events here. Please consider a free-will donation to LAMPa’s work from those who watch.

Read more coverage of the event from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.