Faith leaders unite at Georgetown University summit to protect democracy, confront Christian nationalism, and defend justice for all
VALLEY FORGE, PA (09/24/2024)—Prominent faith organizations came together September 19-20 at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy in Washington, D.C. for “Test of Faith: A Summit to Defend Democracy” to address pressing concerns regarding the future of democracy and faith. American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) was among a diverse coalition of partner sponsors of the event and was represented there by three senior leaders.
Organized by the university’s Center on Faith and Justice, the summit brought together faith leaders to explore the intersection of faith, justice, and civic engagement, thereby revealing ways to harness Christian principles to counter growing authoritarianism and strengthen democratic governance. Also during the event, a statement titled “Christian Faith and Democracy” was released urging people of faith to defend democracy and publicly acknowledge their commitment as signatories.
Over multiple sessions, the summit featured strategic discussions led by influential thought leaders such as E.J. Dionne of The Brookings Institution, the Rev. Jim Wallis from Georgetown’s Center on Faith and Justice, and Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner of the Skinner Leadership Institute. Moderators and panelists addressed key themes such as Christian faith and democracy, the threats facing democratic governance, and mobilizing faith communities for action against the distortion of Christianity for political gain.
The statement “Christian Faith and Democracy,” a central feature of the summit, addresses the current crisis in both American democracy and the church. “Democracy stands embattled,” the statement declares, noting that “in the United States and around the world, the Christian faith has been distorted and leveraged in defense of authoritarian leaders who seek to erode freedoms essential to a thriving democracy.”
In another sobering reflection, the statement reminds readers: “On January 6, 2021, the will of the American people and the peaceful transfer of power came under direct attack during a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In a profound distortion of the faith, some who rioted on the Capitol steps and stormed into the congressional chamber did so in the name of Jesus Christ.”
The summit concluded with a powerful keynote address by Sherrilyn Ifill of Howard University School of Law, who underscored the importance of solidarity among faith communities in the fight to preserve democratic values.
Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS’ executive director, stressed the importance of upholding democratic values: “At a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges, it is crucial for people of faith to stand united in defense of justice, equality, and the common good.” He went on to say that ABHMS, through its sponsorship, stands in solidarity with these goals, while his endorsement of “Christian Faith and Democracy” affirms his personal commitment to preserving the integrity of both our faith and democratic governance.
Faith leaders and other people of moral conscience who feel aligned with the principles outlined in “Christian Faith and Democracy” can read the electronic document thoroughly and add their signatures by visiting faithanddemocracy.net.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
