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In “American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian,” Michael W. Austin offers us a better form of civic engagement.

Faithful America’s executive director argues that since Trump and the religious right distort faith for their own gain, calling them out is not an attack on religion but rather a necessary democratic and Christian action.

The upcoming election is certainly important, but the journey of addressing Christian Nationalism in our churches and nation will continue in the weeks, months, and years to follow.

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Dangerous Dogma

Church

This issue of A Public Witness looks at an Episcopal Church resolution, a PC(USA) recommendation, and a regional UMC resolution to see how some mainline Protestant groups are wrestling — or not — with their own complicity in spreading Christian Nationalism.

The new statement of values, which passed with 80% support, is the first wholesale revision of the Unitarian Universalist covenant clause since 1987 and reflects over three years of feedback and discussions.

Wood will replace Foley Beach, who has been the archbishop of ACNA for a decade.

Nation

Before the storm hit the US, the Salvation Army and Southern Baptists were already on their way to lend a hand. Faith-based groups make up more than half of the disaster relief organizations in the United States.

Vance’s remarks seemed aimed at quelling some of the controversy that sprang up after he and Donald Trump falsely accused Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, of eating townspeople’s pets.

Trump has long criticized this voting method as rife with fraud — an unfounded assertion.

World

Given recent claims about how the Bible should guide U.S. policy decisions when it comes to Israel, this issue of A Public Witness reads through Scripture to determine how political leaders should treat various nations.

Christian pastors and social media influencers have connected the concert's sexual content with unprecedented floods that have devastated cities in Rio Grande do Sul state and killed 116 people.

The building, a striking fusion of the ancient and the modern, reflects a country determined to express its soul even in wartime.

Editorials

Editor Brian Kaylor responds to a “reparations” plan unveiled by the Society of Jesuits on Monday due to their legacy of owning and selling enslaved persons. While Kaylor applauds reparations efforts, he argues this plan falls short.

Editor Brian Kaylor reflects on appearing in a new CBS News documentary about Christian Nationalism — and about a moment from filming that did not make the cut into the documentary.

Editor Brian Kaylor reflects on efforts by lawmakers across the country to make it more difficult to vote. Such bills attempts to undo the work of faithful advocates during the civil rights movement, and some bills even target Black churches.

Word&Way Voices

Word&Way trustee and scholar of American evangelicalism William Trollinger argues that Johnson’s association with Ark Encounter makes sense given the strong connection between Young Earth Creationism and Christian Right politics.

Many churches hold Blue Christmas services that allow people a sacred space for mourning. Perhaps the laments that come from political loss also need to be acknowledged in this season of anticipation.

We live in a time of great precariousness and it is important to be reminded that the only kingdom sure to last is the kingdom of God.

E-Newsletter

This issue of A Public Witness shares the foreword, written by The Riverside Church's Rev. Adriene Thorne, to our forthcoming book "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism."

This issue of A Public Witness looks at the Antisemitism Awareness Act making its way through Congress and unpacks a claim being made by some far-right politicians and Christian leaders that the bill bans the Bible.

It’s not just that more people are reading — our award-winning journalism is making a difference. So after lighting three birthday candles, this issue of A Public Witness looks back at the highlights of the past year.

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Podcasts

In episode 25 of Dangerous Dogma, Randall Balmer, a professor at Dartmouth College, talks about his new book 'Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right.' He also discusses his evangelical upbringing and his ministry as an Episcopal priest.

In episode 24 of Dangerous Dogma, Jim Wallis, chair of faith and justice at Georgetown University, talks about issues of advocacy, faith, evangelicals, and Trumpism. He also discusses his time at Sojourners, his books, and his new role at Georgetown.

In episode 23 of Dangerous Dogma, Angela Denker, a Lutheran pastor and former journalist, talks about her book Red State Christians. She also discusses issues involving Jan. 6, COVID-19, George Floyd, Trump flags, and more.

In episode 22 of Dangerous Dogma, Michael Wear, a writer and political consultant, talks about issues of faith, politics, and advocacy. He also discusses his book 'Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in

Books

In "Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Ignited an Evangelical Reckoning," journalist Sarah Stankorb outlines how access to the internet allowed women to begin dismantling patriarchal authority.

In "After Botham: Healing From My Brother's Murder by a Police Officer," Allisa Charles-Findley challenges us to listen to the cries of those who have experienced grief and to puts forth a call to join the struggle for justice.

In "Eucharist and Unity: A Theological Memoir," Keith Watkins offers a personal angle on the interrelated themes of ecumenism, modern American religious history, practical theology, and communion.

In "Saving Faith: How American Christianity Can Reclaim Its Prophetic Voice," Randall Balmer argues that any attempt to arrest the decline of Christianity in America must first reckon with the past.