"Christian Nationalism: How It Harms Us All — an Interfaith Discussion," will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the goal of inspiring faith communities and others to join together and speak out against Christian nationalism.

 

On Jan. 6, a mob of insurrectionists and pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., some in the name of Jesus. They carried crosses, signs and flags promoting Jesus and prayed for a takeover for Christianity, followed by violent acts of destruction and grave personal injury.  

 

"These actions do not represent true Christian values," said the Rev. Mark Seifried, interim minister of the FCC. "Christians and people of all faiths must speak out against the hijacking of the basic values of all faiths and the separation of church and state in America."

 

The March 18 forum is open to people around the region.

 

"We are inviting people from diverse organizations and from all faiths throughout Berkshire County, southern Vermont and Eastern upstate New York,” FCC community outreach organizer Bridget Spann said.

 

A panel of speakers will lead the discussion, moderated by the Seifried, and will include: Imam Bilal Ansari, faculty associate of pastoral theology, director of the Islamic chaplaincy program at Hartford Seminary; the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church; the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ; the Rev. Sheila D. Sholes-Ross, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pittsfield; and Rabbi Pamela Wax, spiritual care coordinator at Westchester Jewish Community Services, White Plains, N.Y.

 

"Christian nationalism is not new to this moment in American History," Wax said. "What’s new is the growing recognition of its adverse repercussions, past, present and future. Our spiritual work necessitates affirming and teaching that every human being is, indeed, created in the divine image."

 

Those wishing to attend the event, can register through this link: