Christians for respectful pluralism

Is there anything that Christian citizens can contribute to the Team Canada plan for managing the impacts of change in U.S. policies under the Trump administration? Tactics range from appeasement of a bully with the hope he will leave Canada alone to Captain Canada fighting back; both approaches are needed, but they are surface-level actions. On a deeper level, I ponder what might be a wise response when one’s religion has been distorted and exploited and now is closely aligned with an elected authoritarian who has stated plans to harm people my faith drives me to love as God loves them – along with plans to dismantle many democratic and good governance processes that check abuses of power. Ironically, as I stew about this, tributes to former President Jimmy Carter paint a stark contrast in his authentic practice of Christian faith in dedicated service for all people. No wonder non-Christians are confused, and some Christians say they are just “done” with church and religion.

One response is to be quiet and retreat from the public realm. Another is to drop the label Christian, at least in public. Silence at this moment in history, however, is complicity with the views that are now linked with being Christian and the very real harm done. In Canada, the history of silence, appeasement and accommodation to authoritarian rule by many Christians during World War II and the sacrificial resistance by others is still fresh. The story of the Guillaume family, recently recounted in CC, comes to mind (“Opa’s Dachau Suitcase” by David Koene). What might a 2025 version of a faith-based, biblically wise, and strategically smart strategy for the Canadian context include? A full plan requires more time and collective discernment. Here are a few initial thoughts about an opening posture.

Another reading

First, Christian citizens can actively resist the fear-mongering and scapegoating that has already spread on our side of the border. I can ask good questions and find new ways to stand up and stand with those facing the most harm. Are trans youth actually a major threat to family life? Are refugees the main reason for the housing crisis? Are women really taking all the good jobs and “feminizing” society? Members of racial minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and women report increased micro-aggressions as fear-driven followers of extremist leaders feel emboldened after the U.S. election. High levels of “Christian” support lend legitimacy to othering and blaming certain groups in society. High levels of public Christian resistance are needed to witness to another reading of the good news Jesus came to bring.

Second, now is the time to articulate and practice a fresh, robust approach to pluralism that is much deeper than multiculturalism and that incorporates what we have learned about just reconciliation with Indigenous people. Interfaith co-operation, often quietly working behind the scenes in Canada, needs a higher public profile to intentionally counter polarizing forces. In the U.S., new faith-based movements are working together in various coalitions, broadly gaining public recognition as Christians Against Christian Nationalism. They are having a positive impact for the reputation of Christianity and for democracy, well beyond their size which is small compared to the corporately funded think tanks that promote variations of Christian nationalism. In Canada, a useful counterpart might be Christians for Robust and Respectful Pluralism (but with a more appealing name). A positive approach is needed, without sugar-coating the history of colonialism and racism. It is needed to counter the fragmentation associated with identity politics, which can enable those who claim to speak for the “common people” against “elites” to take control of the public agenda.

Hijacked words

Third, Christians can help to counter disinformation, which also infects faith communities, and the distortion of important concepts for Christians and for civic life. In her new book, journalist Carol Off highlights how words are being hijacked, weaponized or bleached of meaning. Important words – like freedom, democracy and truth (At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage). The word “woke,” for example, which means “alert to injustice,” is now a pejorative term I have heard weaponized in church. Language matters and people of the Book have good reasons to resist intentionally distorted meanings of words to gain power in a meme-driven world of communications.

Perhaps most important of all is keeping some important matters on the public agenda that are likely to disappear to appease the bully on the south side. Among those are care for creation, reconciliation with Indigenous people, and deep poverty reduction.

This is a matter for collective action. Right now I don’t see a focal point with leadership to bring together a sub-team that could play a distinct role within the larger Team Canada as authentic Christians and thoughtful citizens who also care about our global neighbours. Political leaders are asking “Where is our Churchill?” In church world, we might ask “Where is the spirit of Bonhoeffer for this moment?”