Executive Order Sparks Concern Among Church Leaders
A coalition of six Lutheran bishops in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan has publicly opposed a recent executive order from President Trump. The order, signed on February 6, 2025, establishes a federal “Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.” The bishops, joined by over 250 religious leaders and supporters, argue the move threatens religious liberty and distorts constitutional values.
Fears of Government-Defined Christianity
The bishops contend the task force grants the federal government power to define both “anti-Christian” actions and Christianity itself. They assert this oversteps constitutional boundaries, undermining the separation of church and state. In their public letter, the bishops warn that religious identity must remain in the hands of religious communities—not government agencies.
Concerns About Christian Nationalism
The letter sharply criticizes the rise of Christian Nationalism, describing it as a dangerous blend of fundamentalist Christianity, conservative politics, and extreme patriotism. The bishops argue this ideology misuses the Christian faith for political gain and marginalizes religious minorities. They state that such government alignment with one religious viewpoint erodes pluralism and civic equality.
Supporters Urge Defense of Religious Pluralism
Supporters of the bishops’ statement emphasize that genuine religious freedom includes space for all beliefs or none at all. They argue that the executive order does not protect Christianity, but rather politicizes it. Progressive Christians especially view the task force as part of a broader trend that weaponizes religion against marginalized groups.
Detractors Call for Protection of Christian Values
Detractors of the bishops’ stance argue that anti-Christian sentiment is growing and deserves federal attention. They believe the executive order addresses real discrimination and supports the free exercise of faith. To them, the task force is a necessary tool to preserve Christian influence in a shifting cultural landscape.
Source:
‘The President is a dangerous threat’: Lutheran bishops take a stand
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