United Church of Christ, Vermont Conference 230th Annual Meeting
Reverend Dr. Marvin Ellison was the keynote Conference speaker; his talk focused on the current day framing of White Christian Nationalism in relation to recent trends in the intersection of church and state.
In reviewing the Conference agenda in advance of the meeting, I recognized my personal ambivalence with regards to a topic I anticipated would address the intersection of religion and government/politics. I was raised in a household of public servants – the values of the separation of church and state have always been a guidepost for me.
Reverend Ellison challenged me (us) to look more closely at how religion has been drawn into political circles, and in many ways, used in a manner that may not be consistent with the teachings of the testaments, old and new. It is in this light that I am taking on the challenge of learning more and exploring my trepidations in light of the challenge posed by Reverend Ellison. A few of my short notes included: economic inequality and social isolation; loss of trust by black people in light of the outcome of the 2024 election, exercising the power of the weak, justice, mutual respect and mutual care, we must act.
The pre-conference digital meeting included a presentation by author Carter Heyward, presenting on her book The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism - A Call to Action. Here is a clip “about the book”:
Heyward shows how American Christians have played a major role in building and securing structures of injustice in American life. Rising tides of white supremacy, threats to women’s reproductive freedoms and to basic human rights for gender and sexual minorities, the widening divide between rich and poor, and increasing natural disasters and the extinction of Earth’s species — all point to a world crying out for God’s wisdom.
I look forward to sharing more as I read Ms. Heyward’s book and make this journey. I invite others to take a personal journey of inquiry if you are so moved. Perhaps in the fall we could convene a dialog if there is interest. Michele Boomhower
