In a remarkable show of faith and community, over 100,000 attendees gathered in Hannover, Germany, from April 30 to May 4 for the 39th Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag (German Evangelical Church Day). This vibrant event, featuring more than 1,500 sessions, centered around the theme “Courageous–Strong–Resolute,” exploring critical political, social, and environmental challenges through panel discussions and other forums.
Among the prominent voices was the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ (UCC), who brought a vital U.S. perspective to the Kirchentag discussion titled “With God Against Democracy: What the Example of the USA Teaches Us in Germany.”
Thompson’s participation highlighted the enduring partnership between the UCC and the German Evangelical Church. She joined esteemed panelists including former German Federal President Christian Wulff, Regional Bishop Tobias Bilz of Dresden, journalist Arnd Henze, and theologian Dr. Claudia Jetter.
Challenging the Label ‘Christian’ Nationalism
Opening her remarks to a packed room, Rev. Thompson called for a decisive shift in how Christian nationalism is perceived, urging that the term be replaced with “extremism.” She emphasized that this ideology contradicts fundamental Christian teachings, particularly the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thompson warned against the misuse of Christian symbols within nationalist rhetoric, which wrongly implies divine endorsement of such movements. However, she also underscored that this extremist viewpoint does not represent all Christians in the U.S. Many believers continue to advocate for justice, including immigrant rights, gender equality, and human dignity—positions deeply rooted in Scripture.
Defining True Christianity and Combatting Misinformation
Highlighting the diversity within the American Christian community—spanning conservative to progressive perspectives—Thompson stressed the urgent need for clarity on what authentic Christianity entails. She urged Christians to actively confront misinformation and falsehoods that have wrongly been associated with the faith.
“For too long, these untruths have been ignored, but silence is no longer an option,” Thompson said. She called for believers to be “actively engaged,” standing up to false ideologies that misrepresent Christian beliefs.
Education as a Tool Against Misuse of Faith
Thompson sees a critical role for congregations in raising awareness, especially through education programs. Whether in confirmation classes or community settings, she encouraged churches to teach why certain theological claims supporting nationalism are unsound.
A Historic Problem Needing Courageous Response
Reminding attendees that the weaponization of Christianity is not new, Thompson pointed to historical examples like Jim Crow laws in the United States, which were once justified through twisted theological arguments. Today, she urged Christians not to succumb to fear but to draw strength from God’s presence and the Holy Spirit.
“We must be courageous now more than ever,” Thompson declared.
The next Kirchentag, the 40th, is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2027.
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