RELEASE: Missouri Faith Leaders Condemn Senator Hawley’s Embrace of Christian Nationalism

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri: On Monday, faith leaders and experts held a virtual press conference to discuss the dangers of Christian nationalism and its impact on democracy and society. 

Click here for a recording of the media event. 

The event focused on Senator Josh Hawley’s alarming pronouncement at the National Conservative Convention on July 8th, in which he declared, “Some will say now that I am calling America a Christian nation. So I am. And some will say that I am advocating Christian nationalism. And so I do.”

The press conference featured Rev. Nathan Empsall, Executive Director of Faithful America, a leading expert on Christian nationalism, Rev. Phil Snider, Brentwood Christian Church, and other prominent Missouri leaders. 

Rev. Nathan Empsall, Executive Director of Faithful America, said, “Christian nationalism is unchristian and unpatriotic. It is an authoritarian ideology that unconstitutionally and unbiblically merges Christian and American identities, declaring that democracy does not matter because only conservative Christians count as true Americans. Senator Hawley’s recent remarks are a stark reminder of how this dangerous rhetoric seeks to divide and alienate, undermining our democratic values and threatening religious freedom. It is imperative that we stand against this ideology and advocate for a vision of faith that promotes love, justice, and equality for all.”

Rev. Phil Snider, Brentwood Christian Church of Springfield, said, “Christian nationalism stands in stark contrast to the core values held by Missourians. Our faith communities are diverse and inclusive, embracing the richness of different beliefs and backgrounds. Senator Hawley’s rhetoric not only undermines these values but also threatens the very fabric of our democracy. We must stand united against any ideology that seeks to divide and alienate, and instead, champion a vision of faith that promotes love, justice, and equality for all.”

Rev. Molly Housh Gordon, Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, said, “As a Unitarian Universalist, my tradition is descended from the Puritan settlers who fled religious persecution in Europe and who knew in their bones that religious freedom is essential to all of our other freedoms.

“True faith cannot be coerced or mandated by a government. “Our incredible variety is the greatest strength of our nation, and my faith is made richer by encountering those of other traditions.”

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