Christian Faith and Democracy

The United States confronts a crisis of democracy, and the American church confronts a test of faith. Democracy stands embattled, facing new threats within our nation and new challenges around the globe. The witness of “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) stands distorted and corrupted—especially to a new generation.

The Declaration of Independence testifies that democracy is not only a political system but also a moral affirmation. In this time of pernicious polarization, we are forced to grapple anew with fundamental questions about governance, civic life, shared values, and the role of faith in shaping our collective future. The rise of anti-democratic sentiment and nationalist ideologies imperils our common life and threatens the cultivation of communal and global peace. As followers of Christ, we strive to meet this moment with clarity and courage, charity and conviction, drawing on the depths of our moral imaginations and theological traditions to articulate afresh a theology of democracy fit for our times.

We are American Christians who deeply love our country. We affirm the right of Christians to bring our faith to bear on the public square for the common good and the flourishing of all humanity. We also welcome and affirm the rights of people of all faiths and of no religious faith to speak to this crisis; this document offers a distinctly Christian perspective, but the principles affirmed here are shared broadly across many religious and ethical traditions and by people of good will.

We face this moment with great resolve and deep humility. Christianity has had an ambivalent and at times hostile relationship with democracy, as evidenced in colonial domination and the dispossession of indigenous peoples, the brutal enslavement of Africans, and the denial of women’s rights. We continue to reckon with the legacies of slavery and segregation, and with the enduring racism that limits achievement of a true multiracial democracy.

In recent years, 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. Some Christians enthusiastically praise dictatorial leaders and regimes. Some have willingly accepted or even participated in political violence. 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.

We write in a moment of fierce urgency, as the people of God animated by faith, hope, and love. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm Christian support for democracy and invite all Christians and people of moral conscience to do the same.

In the face of these challenges, we ask our fellow Christians to join us in affirming and defending these truths.

On the Imago Dei and Human Dignity.

Core to Christianity is the belief that all people are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27) and that our loving God is incarnate in the humanity of Jesus Christ. God’s love, therefore, embraces all of humanity and calls us to respect every person. Democratic governance is an outgrowth of our divinely endowed dignity and corresponding obligation to protect the rights, freedom, and equality of all.

On Human Sin.

The scriptures attest that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Although humans bear the divine image, the capacity for sin runs through every human heart, and every nation. Christians are not immune from this reality. The mechanisms of democracy, the balances of power, and the protections of a Constitutional framework rein in human tendencies to dominate, demean, and exploit.

On Truth and Integrity.

We are called to speak truth, put away falsehood, and walk in integrity (Prov. 11:3; Eph. 4:25). Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32); therefore, the opposite of truth is captivity. A healthy democracy rests upon a foundation of truth. For that reason, we must work to foster trust among citizens, to elect leaders with demonstrated integrity, and, with gratitude for the tens of thousands of election workers who labor to ensure that all voices are heard, to keep our elections safe, secure, and fair.

On Loving the Stranger and the Enemy.

Jesus teaches us that loving God and loving neighbor are inseparable, and that loving our neighbors includes loving the stranger (Lk. 10:25-37) and our enemies (Mt. 5:44). We are obligated to reach out to those with whom we disagree, to empathize with those of different backgrounds and experiences, and to be hospitable to those who do not shareour beliefs.

On Solidarity and the Common Good.

Love of neighbor calls for the inclusion of all our fellow neighbors in the political process. Democratic participation enables individuals to live in service to, and in solidarity with one another-especially the marginalized among us. As Christians, we are called not merely to pursue self-interest, but to prioritize the collective good.

On participation, wealth, and poverty.

In Matthew, Jesus calls Christians to demonstrate special care for the vulnerable, saying: “As you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.” Too often, American Christians have been guilty of idolatry, of worshiping money and power rather than the one true God. All citizens, regardless of wealth or income, should be able to participate fully in shaping our life together. Money should not buy greater influence, and Christians should work to overcome all unjust exclusion from civic participation as commanded in the Bible by the God of justice.

On Religious Pluralism.

The gospel of Jesus Christ advances through divine grace and human persuasion, not by government power and coercion (2 Cor. 5:11; Eph. 2:8). A democracy respects and protects the freedom of the human conscience to discern and decide on matters of religious faith. Christian communities and democratic societies alike must recognize religious pluralism and uphold religious freedom, respecting both minority and majority religious beliefs.

On Peacemaking and Bridge-Building.

Jesus called peacemakers “blessed” and declared them “children of God” (Matt. 5:9). Rather than stir conflict and seed mistrust, Christians are to “live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18). In this spirit, Christians should collaborate with individuals and institutions—religious or secular—to work for the common good and for the realization of a more just world at peace.

We now face specific threats to undermine and weaken our democratic system that are in direct opposition to these foundational Christian principles. Because we are committed to the core values above, we stand together against these threats.

Because every human being is of equal value and worth before God, we reject any attempt to limit, suppress, intimidate, or subvert equal participation in our democracy on account of a person’s skin color, economic status, or political opinions. We believe in transparently fair elections. We reject all efforts to inhibit voter participation, including curtailing opportunities for voter registration, obscuring information about how and when to cast ballots, removing eligiblevoters from voter registration lists, and reducing polling station hours in targeted areas. We firmly reject any intimidation or threats against election administrators and poll workers, or voters themselves, regardless of political persuasion.

Because democratic life requires pluralism, we repudiate political systems, parties, movements, laws, regulations, and policies that raise any group of people, including Christians, above others by granting them special rights and privileges. Specifically, we repudiate the tenets of Christian Nationalism and the idea that Christians or Christianity should hold a place of privilege and power in our nation’s governance.

Because peace and stability are characteristics of a healthy democracy, we condemn the rising tide of violent language and behaviors, including violent
threats and actions against public servants, election workers, and fellow citizens.

Because truth-telling is integral to the pursuit of solidarity and the common good, we denounce the sowing of falsehood about election outcomes, the use of lies and half-truths by officials and candidates to distort truth, and the weaponization of fear and despair as a strategy to acquire or maintain power. As signers, we differ on many moral and social issues—on how to achieve a more equitable society, on war and foreign policy, on abortion and reproductive health, and on issues related to gender and sexuality–but we are committed to preserving a democratic space within which we can collectively discern the way forward with respect to these vital issues.

We realize that for some, signing this statement will put themselves and their livelihoods at risk, but we are convinced that the urgency of our moment requires such courage. We cannot remain neutral about the choices before us.

This is a kairos time, to use biblical language– a moment that can change time, altering events for decades, even generations to come. This electoral season, each one of us must stand for democracy’s future. We must resist cynicism, apathy, and fear; withdrawing from the electoral process only risks consolidating power in the hands of those who would abuse it. We cannot transform democracy unless we save it. As Christians, we are people of hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ powerfully attests that life overcomes death, and that what is to come is far better than what is; “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Pressing forward with confidence in God’s sustaining care, we call on all Christians and people of good will to work together to reawaken democratic spirit and improve American democracy.

In keeping with these principles, we, the undersigned, commit to advancing a multi-racial, multi-faith, multi-generational democracy, where every voice is valued and every person afforded the opportunity to participate fully and freely in the life of the community.

Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu, Baptist Grove Church, Raleigh, NC
Rev. Eddy Aleman, Reformed Church in America
Bishop Claude Alexander, Jr, The Park Church
Dr. Greg Arthur, Ideos Institute
Professor J. Matthew Ashley, University of Notre Dame
H.E. Archbishop Dr. Vicken Aykazian,  Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
The Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer, Dartmouth College
Dr. Michael Barram, Saint Mary's College of California
Dr. Paul Baxley, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Rev. Dr. David Beckmann, Coordinator, Circle of Protection
Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, Institute for Black Catholic Studies/Xavier University of Louisiana
Dr. Ruth Bentley, National Black Evangelical Association
Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Michigan Faith United to Save Democracy
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tee Boddie, Conference of National Black Churches
Dr. Kathleen Bonnette, Georgetown University, Center on Faith and Justice
Dr. John Borelli, Georgetown University
Rev. Marian Boyle Rohloff, Gamaliel
Rev. Dr. Luke Bretherton, Duke Divinity School
Professor Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
Dr. Anthea  Butler, University of Pennsylvania
Rev. Jen Butler, Faith in Democracy
Dr. Diana Butler Bass, Author and historian
Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, Eastern University
Rev. Dr.  Mae Elise Cannon, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
Rev. Dr. Galen Carey, National Association of Evangelicals
Prof. Natalie Carnes, Baylor University
Mr. John Carr, Founder, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life. Georgetown University
Rev. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference
Pastor Raymond Chang, Asian American Christian Collaborative
Mr. Curtis Chang, Redeeming Babel / The After Party Project
Dr. Robert Chao Romero, UCLA
Rev. Eugene Cho, Bread for the World
Rev. Hope Christensen, Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence
Mr. Shane Claiborne, Red Letter Christians
Rev. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, American Baptist Churches
Dr. M. Shawn Copeland, Boston College
Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland-Tune, National Council of Churches USA
The Most Rev.  Michael Curry, The Episcopal Church
Ms. Kim Daniels, Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Bishop, AME Church
Rev. Dr. Tom De Vries, Citygate Network
Dr. George Demacopoulos, Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University
Ms. Marie Dennis, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative of Pax Christi International
Rev. Julian DeShazier, University Church Chicago
Ambassador Miguel  Diaz , Loyola University Chicago
Dr. EJ Dionne, Georgetown University
Dr.  Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University
Mr. Joshua DuBois, Values
Dr. Erin Dufault-Hunter, Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr Michele Dunne OFS, Franciscan Action Network
Dr. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, AME Church - Social Action Commission
Mr. Robert Ellsberg, Publisher, Orbis Books
The Rev. Nathan Empsall, Faithful America
Rev. Sharon Felton, CBF
Ms. Michelle Ferrigno Warren, Virago Strategies
Prof. Christine Firer Hinze, Fordham University
Dr. Nichole Flores, University of Virginia
Dr. John R Franke, Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Emory University
Rev. Michael Garanzini, SJ, Jesuits
Mr. George D. Gigicos, Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC)
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Princeton University
Rev. Dr. Cassandra  Gould, Faith in Action
Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary Emeritus, Reformed Church in America
Rev. Darryl  Gray, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Prof. Eric  Gregory, Princeton University
Dr. Michael Grigoni, Wake Forest University
The Rev. Canon  Anthony Guillén, The Episcopal Church
Dr. Dwight  Guinn , National Black Evangelical Association /Networking Hearts of Hope for Africa International
Ms. Susan Gunn, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Mercer University
Reverend Jeffrey Haggray, American Baptist Home Mission Societies
Rev. Dr. Cynthia  Hale, Ray of Hope Christian Church (DOC)
Rev. Amanda  Hambrick Ashcraft, Middle Church
Rev. Adam Hamilton, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, Disciples Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Rev. Canon  Leonard L Hamlin Sr, Washington National Cathedral
Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Ms. Lisa Sharon Harper, Freedom Road, LLC
Mr. Steven Harris, Harvard University
Reverend Jimmie Hawkins, PC(USA) Washington Office of Public Witness
Rev. Jennifer Hawks, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF)
Rev. Dr.  Peter Heltzel, Park Avenue Christian Church
Rev. Dr.  Katharine  Henderson, Interfaith Alliance
Dr. Obery Hendricks , Columbia University
Dr. Daryn Henry, University of Virginia
Professor Jennifer Herdt, Yale University Divinity School
Dr. Kristin Heyer, Boston College Theology Department
Bishop Terry  Hill , The Citadel Church of Jacksonville
Dr. Bradford Hinze, Fordham University
Rev. David Hollenbach, Georgetown University
Very Reverend Randy Hollerith, Washington National Cathedral
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Ms. Charlene Howard, Pax Christi USA
Ms. Hyepin  Im, Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE)
Rev. Dennis Jacobsen, MICAH/Gamaliel
Pastor John Jenkins, First Baptist of Glenarden, Maryland
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Fordham University
Protodeacon  Sergei  Kapral, Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral
Professor Cathleen Kaveny, Boston College
Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Rev. James Keenan, S.J., Boston College
Ms. Kathy Khang, Author
Dr. Alberto La Rosa Rojas, Western Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton, Fuller Theological Seminary, president emeritus
Mr. Avery Lamb, Creation Justice Ministries
Dr. David Lantigua, Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism, University of Notre Dame
The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Middle Collegiate Church
Rev. Bobby Love, Gamaliel
Rev. Carlos L. Malave, Latino Christian National Network
Fr. Mark Massa, Boisi Center. Boston College
Rev. Michael A. Mata, Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene
Prof. Charles Mathewes, University of Virginia
Dr. Walter McCray, National Black Evangelical Association
Rev. Dr. Dontá McGilvery, First Institutional Baptist Church
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, National Council of Churches
Sister Regina McKillip, Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa
Rev. Dr. Brian McLaren, Center for Action and Contemplation
Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, Association for a More Just Society-US
Bishop W. Darin Moore, AME Zion Church
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL
Dr. Richard Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz, El Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry of the United Methodist Church
Dr. Michael P. Murphy, Loyola University Chicago
Ms. Joan F. Neal, NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice
Mr. David Neff, Christianity Today (retired)
Mrs. Elizabeth Neumann, Neu Summit Strategies LLC
Ms. Mary Novak, NETWORK Advocates for Catholic Social Justice
Dr. Maureen O'Connell, La Salle University
Rev. William O'Neill, Jesuit Refugee Service
Rev. Jihyun Oh, General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Dr. Michael Okinczyc-Cruz, Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL)
Rev. Ruben Ortiz, CBF - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Boston College
Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst, INFEMIT
Rev Doug Pagitt, Vote Common Good
Dr. William Pannell, Fuller Theological Seminary
Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University
Ms. Priscilla Perkins, John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation
Ms. V. Elizabeth Perkins, John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation
Rev. Dr. James Perkins, Greater Christ Baptist Church, Detroit, MI
Dr. Samuel Perry, University of Oklahoma
Rev. Adam Phillips, Interfaith America
Dr. Nancy Pineda-Madrid, President, Catholic Theological Society of America
Professor Stephen Pope, Boston College
Mr. Dominic Preziosi, Commonweal Magazine
Dr. Matthew Puffer, Valparaiso University
Mr. Agustin Quiles, Mission Talk
Rev. Dr. Dwight Radcliff, The Message Center World Church
Rev. Paul  Raushenbush, Interfaith Alliance
Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Mr. Stephen Reeves, Fellowship Southwest
Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Dr.  Elizabeth Ríos, Passion2Plant Network
Bishop Raymond Rivera, Council of Holistic Christian Churches & Ministries and Latino Pastoral Action Center
Rev. Lawrence Rodgers, Second Baptist Church of Detroit
Bishop Dwayne Royster, Faith in Action Network
Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra, Fuller Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Robert  Schenck, Methodist Evangelical Church USA
Dr. Stephen Schneck, Catholics for the Future
Dr. Sandra Schneiders, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (emerita))
Dr. Annie Selak, Georgetown University
Rev. Dr. Angela D Sims, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
Dr. T. De Witt  Smith, Jr. , National African Clergy Network: Trinity Baptist Church of Metro Atlanta;  PNBC, Inc.
Rev. Gail Song Bantum, Quest Church
Rev. David Steele, Church of the Brethren
Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., First Institutional Baptist Church
Rev. Ron Stief, National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Rev. Lori Tapia, Obra Hispana, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Adam Taylor, Sojourners
Rev. John Thomas, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ
Dr. Jemar Tisby, The Witness, A Black Christian Collective
Rev. Dr. Al Tizon, Grace Fellowship San Francisco/North Park Theological Seminary
Reverend Dr. Emilie Townes, Boston University
Ms. Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Christians for Social Action
Ms. Allison Trowbridge, Copper Books
Rev. Harold Trulear, Howard University School of Divinity
Ms. Amanda Tyler, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
Ms. Ekemini Uwan, Sistamatictheology LLC
Mr. Andrew Veniopoulos, Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC)
Mrs. Christy Vines, Ideos Institute
Professor Dr. Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School, Yale Center for Faith and Culture
Rev. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Columbia Theological Seminary
Dr. Alyn Waller, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Rev. Jim Wallis, Center on Faith and Justice, Georgetown University
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Heather A. Warren, University of Virginia
Rev. Dr. Sharon  Watkins, Disciples of Christ (retired)
Dr. Colin Watson, Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)
Professor Paul Weithman, Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Rev. Dr. John Welch, Gamaliel Network
Prof. James Wetzel, The Augustinian Institute, Villanova University
Mr. Tim Whitaker, The New Evangelicals
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, National African American Clergy Network
Min. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, School for Conversion
Dr. Craig Wong, New College Berkeley
Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellermann, United Methodist Pastor, Author
Rev. Dr. Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary