Press Release September 8, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Christian Nationalism Symposium
WEST NEWTON, MA – October 10-12, 2025 – Second Church in Newton is hosting a community-wide Contemporary Issues symposium on the escalating dangers of Christian nationalism.
“Christian nationalism has nothing to do with Christianity or love of one’s country,” says. Rev. Corey J. Sanderson, minister of Second Church in Newton. “It is an extremist political movement that seeks power and domination by imposing a fundamentalist Christian worldview on our diverse, secular, pluralistic democracy.”
No longer a fringe movement, Christian nationalism has become mainstream. It has been the driving force behind halting DEI initiatives, banning books, stripping reproductive rights, and refusing due process to American citizens.
If people don’t fully understand the Christian nationalist agenda, the desire to turn the United States into an authoritarian Christian theocracy, they will never be able to resist such a move or undo the damage currently being done. This weekend symposium aims to educate, inspire, connect, and empower people to make real lasting change against such anti-democratic attempts.
Guest Speakers include New York Times best-selling author, Katherine Stewart, whose new book new book, Money, Lies, and God, helps us see the power and money behind the Christian nationalist agenda. Evangelical minister, The Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, a former Christian nationalist leader, now speaks out against the movements he helped found.
Indigenous Rights lawyer and professor, Dr. Taiano Palermo, will be speaking about Christian nationalism at our country’s founding and the systemic destruction that still plagues First Nations peoples. The Rev. Janna Louie helps lead the Baptist Joint Commission, a historic organization that protects religious freedom, who leads the ‘Christians Against Christian Nationalism’ movement.
Are you disturbed by the recent ICE detentions, attempts at voter suppression, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, rampant xenophobia, and escalating military violence? Then join us. Do not miss the chance to learn from national experts and connect with other people locally who want to do something constructive.
Christian nationalism is the single greatest threat to democracy and its ideals of liberty and justice. While much of the event will focus Christianity, this event is for the wider public. We sincerely hope people of other faiths and traditions (or none) will join us for this important event.
Detailed information can be found on Second Church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/2ndchurchnewton/
Contact:
The Rev. Corey J. Sanderson
Second Church of Newton, UCC
60 Highland Street, West Newton MA 02465
Office: 617-244-2690
Cell: 508-440-6488
Email: csanderson@2ndchurch.org
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