Understanding White Christian Nationalism

A panel following a screening of the documentary "Bad Faith." Rev. Terrance Thomas (Bethel AME Church, Champaign), Pastor Michael Crosby (First Mennonite Church) and Stephanie Mota Thurston (Department of Religion) defined Christian nationalism, traced its roots in American exceptionalism and settler colonialism, and discussed Catholic post-liberalism, gender and reproductive control, and theological arguments for democracy. Audience Q&A addressed practical responses, naming, and global parallels. Fall 2024 Friday Forum x Conversation Cafe series, co-hosted by Diversity & Social Justice Education and the University YMCA.