Resolution 2026-03

“Concerning Christian Nationalism”

General Church Budget Implications: None
East Ohio Conference Implications: Yes

Whereas: Jesus taught, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Whereas: Christian nationalists affirm that “God has given the United States particular blessings and privileges not available to people in other countries … ” (Retrieved from National Council of Churches https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/common-witness-ncc/the-dangers-of-christian-nationalism-in-the-united-states-a-policy-statement-of-the-national-council-of-churches/, April 19th 2023).

Whereas: in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Free Exercise clause reads, in part, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof … “.

Whereas: Christian nationalists affirm that “The United States was founded as a Christian nation … only Christians are the proper custodians of this nation’s heritage … (and) Christianity should have privileged status in the United States, particularly in matters of law and political policy.” (Retrieved from National Council of Churches, above.).

Whereas: the scriptures affirm the Judeo Christian priority of hospitality and mercy, “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt … ” (Leviticus 19:34), and “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’” (Matthew 25:34-36)

Whereas: Dr. David W. Scott, a Methodist historical researcher and the director of Mission Theology at the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, recently noted, “There’s a long history of Christian nationalism in the United States, and it has often been the type of nationalism that tries to exclude others. American Christian nationalism has tried to define the United States as a native white Protestant nation and exclude all others: Catholics, African Americans, indigenous peoples, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, etc.” (Retrieved from www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism#, February 28th 2023).

Whereas: Christian nationalists affirm that “People who practice other religions or none cannot be fully American – they are not welcomed, their voices are discounted, and they are not to be trusted with political and cultural leadership.” (Retrieved from National Council of Churches, above).

Whereas: there is no precedent or reference for the establishment or support of Christian theocratic government in the United States Constitution, or in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

Therefore, Be It Resolved: that the East Ohio Conference support  the Conference Board of Church & Society document, stating that the philosophy, goals, and values espoused by Christian nationalism are inconsistent with the United States Constitution, and with the history, teachings, and practice of the United Methodist Church, and as such, the advocacy of Christian nationalism is unacceptable in the congregations of the East Ohio Conference. The document shall also include supporting information and attach Study Materials on Christian nationalism for use by congregations and groups.

Be It Further Resolved: that the East Ohio Conference request that  the Conference Board of Church & Society distribute the Document to all congregations in the East Ohio Conference, to be distributed to their membership, and also to distribute a copy of the Study Materials to each congregation.

Submitted by East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action, East Ohio Board of Multicultural Ministries, and East Ohio United Women in Faith.