"Standing Up To Christian Nationalism"

“Standing Up to Christian Nationalism”
Presentations by
Matt Lewellyn-Otten of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism
& Jerry Gale of Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Minnesota Atheists - Hybrid Meeting
Free and Open to the Public

In person and via Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 856 9893 7389; Passcode: 166449

Rondo Library
461 N. Dale St.
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(On the light rail line at the corner of University Ave. & Dale St.)
(There is free underground parking off of University Ave.)

1:00-1:30 pm - Library and Underground Parking open. Social Time. Zoom starts.
1:30-1:50 pm - Minnesota Atheists Business Meeting - Including a discussion of our Building Fund
1:50-2:00 pm - Break / Social Time
2:00-3:30 pm - Public Meeting: “Standing Up to Christian Nationalism"
3:30 pm - Leave for Dinner *

* Los Ocampo [Mexican] Restaurant
615 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(kitty-corner from the library)

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MATT LEWELLYN-OTTEN of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism

This presentation explores the rise of white Christian nationalism in the United States, examining how it has shaped political and cultural life. By unpacking its blend of racial hierarchy, religious fundamentalism, and claims of divine authority, we will uncover how this movement wields faith as a tool for power, control, and exclusion. Matt will also give us a glimpse into the ways in which Christian nationalism makes its way into Christian purity culture, his own experiences with Christian nationalism as a teen growing up in South Carolina, and ways in which we can begin to thoughtfully critique white Christian nationalism.

We will also focus on the tangible consequences of Christian nationalism in contemporary policy and legislation, highlighting its profound impact on queer communities. From anti-LGBTQ+ laws to religious freedom exemptions that sanction discrimination, this ideology fuels systemic harm while masking itself as moral righteousness. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersecting forces of religion, race, and politics — and leave with tools to critically engage, resist, and envision liberating alternatives.

JERRY GALE of Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Jerry Gale, a member of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, will speak on “Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism.” Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, damaging both the Christian faith and America’s democracy. It implies that to be a good American, one must be a Christian. This presentation provides information about Christian nationalism and ways for Christians, people of other faiths, and secular individuals to respond to Christian nationalism.

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