WASHINGTON – Hundreds of Christian pastors, scholars, and leaders from across the country, including Glen Guyton on behalf of Mennonite Church USA, are warning that the United States is facing a profound moral, spiritual, and democratic emergency, in a new open letter released ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The letter, “A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy,” released to mark the start of the Christian season of repentance, emphasizes that Christians have a moral obligation to speak out in the face of an endangered democracy, the rise of tyranny, and a Christian faith corrupted by the heretical ideology of white Christian nationalism.
“In a time of division and uncertainty, we are reminded that our calling in Christ is both personal and communal, inviting us to follow Jesus in ways that transform our lives, our churches, and the world around us,” said Guyton. “We must widen our circles, see beyond our person bias, and stand side by side with our neighbors,” he added, citing Philippians 3:20 (NIV): But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The statement is signed by more than 300 leaders representing nearly every state. Among the signers are denominational leaders, heads of communion, faith-based nonprofit executives, and local clergy across the country.
In the letter, signers commit to concrete actions, including standing with immigrants targeted by unjust policies, rejecting political violence in all forms, defending the country’s voting rights and democratic norms, and pursuing peace, truth, and hope. Citing scripture, the letter highlights Jesus’ teachings on love and peace, and rejects the use of religion to justify exclusion, racism, or domination—calling on Christians to resist the manipulation of faith for political gain.
The letter reads in part, “the crisis is not only political—it is one driven by a moral and spiritual collapse showing up in alarming levels of polarization. Our faith is being tested. Christians cannot pretend otherwise and must make a decision to act.”
Read the full open letter HERE.
Media contacts:
Shannon Craig Straw, cfj@westendstrategy.com, 202-674-5921
Camille Dager, CamilleD@mennoniteusa.org, 574-523-3068