Rhode Island State Council of Churches is holding a "How to End Christian Nationalism" conference
The conference will feature Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, arguably one of the nation’s foremost experts on Christian Nationalism.
The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is pleased to host Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, as our featured speaker as we work to end Christian Nationalism in Rhode Island and beyond.
Christian nationalism is a cultural framework that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity with American civic life. But the “Christian” in Christian Nationalism is more about identity than religion and carries with it assumptions about nativism, white supremacy, authoritarianism, patriarchy, and militarism.
Amanda Tyler is arguably one of the nation’s foremost experts on Christian Nationalism. With the rise of Christian Nationalism in Rhode Island and the ongoing implementation of ideologies like Project 2025, people of faith must learn what the problem is and how to respond to it.
The day’s activities will also include workshops, engaging panel discussions, and lunch catered by Amos House.
Speaking of engaging panel discussions, I will discuss my work as an independent reporter covering school committees and school boards across Rhode Island as they deal with trans rights, DEI, and book bans.
Other speakers include:
Dr. Taino Palerno, Co-founder of the Center for Indigenous People’s Rights - “The Age of Discovery and Christian Nationalism”
Reverend DL Helfer, Ordained minister and licensed social worker - “Made in God’s Image”
Rev. Dr. Amy L. Chilton, Senior Minister, Phillips Memorial Baptist Church - “Parasites, Patriarchy, and Project 2025”
Dr. J. Stanley Lemons, Professor Emeritus of History at the Rhode Island College and Historian of the First Baptist Church in America - “Roger Williams, the Prophet of Religious Liberty”
Please be aware that the registration deadlines for the “How to End Christian Nationalism” are rapidly approaching.
Registration with lunch closes on Monday, March 17th @ noon
FINAL REGISTRATION CLOSES ON THURSDAY, MARCH 20TH @ NOON
You can register immediately HERE
Will there be worship?
Yes! As people of faith, we have created a conference that is bookended by our corporate worship together. We are grateful to have leaders from nearly every major denominational body who help open and close our time together.
These groups include:
Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island; New England Synod, ELCA; Sisters of Mercy; Southern New England Conference of the UCC;
Supporting our work is the New England Yearly Meeting, UMC (Seacost), and the UUA
What does the fee cover?
The fee covers lunch, payment for our speakers and musicians, and basic conference expenses. A small fraction of the fee will support the Council’s ongoing justice work in Rhode Island. Community Church of Providence has graciously volunteered its space
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I see that this is being held by the RI State Council of Churches, but why is there no representation from Jewish, Muslim, and atheist leadership?
Christian Nationalism is an existential threat to ALL non-Christians. There should be a wider representation of other beliefs/non-belief.
I’ll be there!