Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, along with other Disciple and ecumenical pastors and scholars from across the country are warning that the United States is facing a profound moral, spiritual, and democratic emergency, in a new open letter released ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The letter, “A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy,” released to mark the start of the Christian season of repentance, emphasizes that Christians have a moral obligation to speak out in the face of an endangered democracy, the rise of tyranny, and a Christian faith corrupted by the heretical ideology of white Christian nationalism.
The statement is signed by more than 300 leaders representing nearly every state. Among the signers are denominational leaders, heads of communion, faith-based nonprofit executives, and local clergy across the country, including (a full list of signers is available here).
In the letter, signers commit to concrete actions, including standing with immigrants targeted by unjust policies, rejecting political violence in all forms, defending the country’s voting rights and democratic norms, and pursuing peace, truth, and hope. Citing scripture, the letter highlights Jesus’ teachings on love and peace, and rejects the use of religion to justify exclusion, racism, or domination—calling on Christians to resist the manipulation of faith for political gain.
The letter reads in part, “the crisis is not only political—it is one driven by a moral and spiritual collapse showing up in alarming levels of polarization. Our faith is being tested. Christians cannot pretend otherwise and must make a decision to act.”
Read and sign your name to the full open letter HERE.
Diane
I’m so afraid of losing our democracy The country has become a country I don’t recognize