Upcoming WebinarlJoin the Clergy Emergency League on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern for a timely Zoom webinar on hymns that resist Christian nationalism, featuring Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing in conversation with renowned hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. As churches prepare for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the wave of national celebrations this July, this conversation will explore how congregational song can either reinforce toxic blends of faith and nationalism or bear more faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, asking the central question: “What makes a hymn complicit in Christian nationalism, and what makes a hymn resist it?” Together, Stephen and Carolyn will highlight hymns that resist Christian nationalism both directly and indirectly, while offering practical guidance for pastors, church musicians, and worship leaders seeking to choose and introduce such hymns thoughtfully in their congregations. The webinar will also reflect on how hymn texts can emphasize humility, justice, peace, hospitality, and our primary identity in Christ over against the claims of civil religion. This free public event will take place via Zoom, and while donations to the Clergy Emergency League are gratefully welcomed to support its ministry and provide honoraria for featured guests, all are invited to join this rich, timely, and urgently needed conversation.
When the Christian Church is co-opted to advance policies of violence and oppression, clergy must not be silent.
We must speak out and resist.
The Clergy Emergency League (CEL) is a grassroots network of clergy speaking with a unified voice against the abuses of power at the federal, state, and local levels. We repudiate the fusion of politics with radical, right-wing, fundamentalist Christianity. And we denounce the growing power of racist white nationalism and a militarized police state.
We provide support, accountability, resources, and networking for clergy to prophetically minister in their congregations and the public square in this time of political upheaval, social unrest, and partisan division.
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Want to support the work we do? Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Clergy Emergency League through the Wisconsin Council of Churches. The leadership team of the Clergy Emergency League do their work on a 100% volunteer basis. All proceeds from donations go to things such as website maintenance, our Zoom account, and honoraria for guest speakers.
