Heading into Easter weekend, pastors in Wisconsin are criticizing white Christian nationalism. They say the ideology is contrary to the major tenets of the Christian faith, and they’re calling on others to join their protest.

The Rev. Julia Burkey, senior pastor of Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison, is one of many who believe the country’s leaders continue to incite extremist values. She said it’s important to recognize that Christian nationalists are invoking a version of God that is unrecognizable to mainstream Christianity. Burkey described using God's name to wage violence or strip people’s rights as blasphemy, and called it a violation of the teachings of Jesus.

She said Jesus taught his believers to love and be in solidarity with the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.

"But that means that the least of these are protected and empowered, and that every person is created in the image of God," she said, "not just the powerful, not just those who are white, or straight, or cisgender, or citizens."

She drew parallels between the execution of Jesus by the Roman Empire and what she called the American empire today. She challenged believers to continue proclaiming love and human dignity, despite widespread oppression.

Hundreds participated in 11 demonstrations across the state last weekend for the Palm Sunday Path. Burkey said the nationwide initiative serves as a reminder that being part of a faith community provides historical connection. She emphasized that being able to connect with other believers provides a different kind of strength to lean on.

"We are not the first people to face crushing empire, even though it is causing and will cause so much harm," she said. "All of Scripture is almost coded survival manual for how to hold onto hope, and hold onto each other in the midst of violent rhetoric and actions."

The Rev. Late Mackey, the church's associate pastor for children, youth and families, said she hopes these demonstrations of faith will inspire people to discover welcoming Christian communities that reject divisive messaging. She’s advocating for people of faith to become more outspoken about their values and to actively invite people who are struggling into their communities.

"Say, ‘Hey, come with me. We need to be together right now. We need to pray together right now,'" she said. "We need to talk together right now and begin to really lean into relationships that are stronger than the messages that we hear being proclaimed with a very loud voice."

Source: Public News Service