Rev. Barber and Faith Leaders Issue Call to Reject Christian Nationalism

The Rev. Dr. William Barber II, a prominent leader in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and founder of the Poor People’s Campaign, has joined a coalition of faith leaders in rejecting what they describe as “divisive cultural wedge issues.” Instead, they advocate for a “public theology that is good news for all people,” emphasizing justice and mercy as central to Christian teaching.

Barber, who has long been a vocal critic of Christian nationalism, delivered a keynote address at the inaugural conference of the Yale Divinity School’s Center for Public Theology & Policy. He argued that “heavyweight challenges require more than lightweight theology,” calling for a prophetic Christianity that prioritizes the needs of the marginalized and the vulnerable.

The conference, held in New Haven, Connecticut, brought together clergy, scholars, and activists to address the moral and spiritual dimensions of the 2024 presidential election. Participants included leaders from various Restoration movement denominations, including the Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The event aimed to equip faith leaders with tools to engage in the national conversation about justice, equity, and the common good.

At the conference’s close, signatories of the “New Haven Declaration of Moral and Spiritual Issues in the 2024 Presidential Election” pledged to focus on issues such as living wages, union rights, healthcare, ecological justice, and the protection of voting rights. The declaration explicitly opposes policies that frame the United States as a Christian nation, advocating instead for a pluralistic society that upholds the freedom of religion for all.

Barber, a former pastor in the Disciples of Christ denomination, has consistently challenged the notion that certain moral positions are inherently tied to specific political ideologies. He has argued that true Christian morality must be rooted in the Bible’s teachings on justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person. His message aligns with the broader goals of the Poor People’s Campaign, which seeks to unite people across racial and socioeconomic lines in pursuit of systemic change.

The declaration reflects a growing concern among faith leaders about the influence of Christian nationalism in American politics. As more Republican politicians and grassroots activists identify with this movement, the signatories of the New Haven Declaration urge the church to reject policies that prioritize religious identity over the common good. They call for a return to a theology that emphasizes love, service, and the protection of the vulnerable.

In a world marked by division and injustice, the declaration serves as a reminder of the church’s responsibility to speak truth and act with compassion. It calls for a faith that is not bound by political labels but is instead guided by the principles of justice, mercy, and humility. As the nation faces critical choices in the coming years, the declaration offers a vision of a Christianity that is inclusive, prophetic, and deeply committed to the well-being of all people.

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