Fighting for true religious freedom in Fresno means opposing Christian nationalism | Opinion
The phrase “wall of separation between church and state” was popularized by Thomas Jefferson just a few short years after ratification of the Constitution. Jefferson understood that entanglement between the institutions of religion and government meant trouble for both. Almost two and a half centuries later, far-right activists and politicians, representing a minority of the American public, are working to bring Christian nationalism into the mainstream, and betraying the Jeffersonian vision for an America in which religious freedom is an inherent right, guaranteed to all.
Christian nationalism is a new name for an old and dangerous ideology that conflates American identity with an exclusive religious identity. It is a political and cultural movement rooted in the myth that we were founded as a Christian nation; and its supporters seek to fuse religious and civil life and believe they enjoy a special privilege from God. At its core, the ideology defines “We the people” in a way that excludes most Americans. And you don’t have to look too far to see the clear strains of xenophobia, white supremacy, and authoritarianism that permeate this movement.
Our organization, Interfaith Alliance, is sounding the alarm that Christian nationalism is the single-greatest threat to our democracy — and recent survey data has confirmed this danger. A new poll of more than 6,000 Americans found that 10% of Americans identify as avowed Christian nationalists and an additional 19% are sympathetic to its ideals. Among white evangelical Protestants, nearly two-thirds of respondents identified with the Christian nationalist movement. While the overwhelming majority of Americans still reject Christian nationalism, we cannot afford to discount the movement’s expanding cultural currency. As long as a substantial segment of the population adheres to an ideology that is antithetical to religious diversity and the freedom to believe as we choose, our democratic institutions will remain at risk.
The people of Fresno have felt firsthand the impact of these tensions. From the debate over “In God We Trust” being placed in the council chambers of City Hall, to the recent legal debate over proposed sale of the historic Tower Theatre to the anti-LGBT Adventure Church, we are seeing theocratic extremists who seek to impose their hard-line vision in public settings where all Americans, regardless of background or belief, are owed a voice.
However, there is reason for hope. All across America, we’re seeing community members take action by rising up and offering an alternative vision that points us toward a truly welcoming and inclusive nation for all. Interfaith Alliance and other national groups are continuing to sound the alarm in Washington, D.C. and taking action to protect faith and freedom on Capitol Hill and in the courts. But it’s the organizing at the state and local level that will determine the outcome of the fight to protect a pluralistic vision of America.
This Friday, March 10, we are bringing together people of diverse faiths in Fresno for Interfaith Scholar Weekend (ISW). Founded in 1998 by Community United Church of Christ and Temple Beth Israel, ISW brings together interfaith advocates to learn from each other and chart a common path forward led by a commitment to justice and equality for all.
At a time when extremists seek to divide us, we invite the Fresno community to join us to discuss how we can build a stronger Fresno by embracing our diversity and shared values.
The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, a national organization championing an inclusive vision of religious freedom. The Rev. Dr. Norman R. Broadbent is co-chair of The Interfaith Alliance of Central California.
