20 Jan 2017

A Call For Biblical Faithfulness Amid the New Fascism

by | posted in: News, Update | 250

VOICES FROM THE GLOBAL EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY

Eight years ago, at the time of Donald Trump’s inauguration, we issued the following call. Today, given the results of the 2024 US election, we share it again with renewed urgency and prayer.

To add your name to this call, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

A new form of dangerous political leadership is emerging in different parts of the world. Although this is not the first, and likely not the last time, the threat today of what can be called the new fascism is real. As an ideology characterized by fundamentalist, militant, nationalistic, and racist policies, fascism threatens especially the “other,” be it the poor, the oppressed, or the disenfranchised—people for whom God has a special concern.

As members of the global evangelical community, we, the undersigned, feel compelled by the Spirit to call the church worldwide, first and foremost ourselves, to hear the clarion call of the Gospel to radical biblical faithfulness amid the new fascism and to renew its commitment to live out the peace, justice, and hope of the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.

Though we witness this form of dangerous political leadership emerging in other parts of the world, we are issuing this statement around the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States, because of that nation’s global influence. We are keenly aware of the anxiety and fear being caused around the world by the actions, stated positions, and inflammatory foreign policy remarks of the President-elect.

As followers of Jesus, we also feel compelled to issue this call because we find it disturbing that many self-identified evangelicals in their respective countries contributed in no small part to the new fascism by the way they voted in a number of recent referenda (e.g. Colombia, United Kingdom) and national elections (e.g. Philippines, United States). In the case of the U.S., we mourn the reduction of the gospel that resulted in single-issue voting, even as we acknowledge the complexity of the political process and the agony of many over the options available. It is true that for many evangelicals, their vote was more against the other candidates than it was for the one they elected. Nonetheless, we grieve the part that evangelicals played in electing a person whose character, values, and actions are antithetical to the Gospel. Furthermore, we find it inadmissible that some high profile evangelical leaders have hailed the President-elect as a Christian and a prophet. It does not surprise us that many people, especially from the younger generation, are abandoning the evangelical world altogether.

As representative members of the global evangelical community, we stand with all who oppose violence, racism, misogyny, and religious, sexual and political discrimination by resisting the leadership of a person whose life, deeds and words have normalized and even glorified these postures. Our voices represent solidarity with them both in their grief over the results of the elections and in their resolve to speak to power in word and deed in these troubling times.

As a challenge to the new fascism, we call the whole church to biblical faithfulness in:

  • the merciful and just treatment of immigrants, refugees, strangers, and racial and religious minorities;
  • the rejection of all sorts of objectification of women and commercialization of sex;
  • the responsible and just regard for the care of God’s creation, including taking seriously the reality and dangers of climate change;
  • the commitment to world peace in the face of the war industry, military rhetoric and action;
  • the courageous and self-sacrificing pursuit of the welfare of the poor, marginalized, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, including children and youth.

Finally, we call to account the incoming U.S. President and his administration in the power of the Gospel, warning them that God holds each nation, each leader, and each individual responsible for how they act on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. And we encourage all God’s people to pray for the United States and its leaders, for the sake of the welfare not only of the U.S. citizens but of all people around the world.

Signed:

Femi B. Adeleye, Institute for Christian Impact (ICI) and Langham Preaching, Ghana*

María Alejandra Andrade V., Tearfund UK, Ecuador/UK*

René August, The Warehouse, South Africa*

Gillian Mary Bediako, Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, Ghana*

Paul Bendor-Samuel, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, United Kingdom*

Rachel Beveridge, Christian Reformed World Missions, El Salvador/USA*

Seblewengel Daniel, Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church, Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, INFEMIT, Ethiopia*

Corrie De Boer, Mission Ministries Philippines, Inc, Philippines*

Samuel Escobar

Sheryl Haw, Micah Global, United Kingdom*

Munther Isaac, Bethlehem Bible College and Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, Palestine*

Amanda Kaminski, INFEMIT, USA*

Kanthamanee Ladaphongphatthana, Mahidol University, Thailand*

Terry Le Blanc, NAIITS, An Indigenous Learning Community, Canada*

Gregory Leffel, INFEMIT, USA*

David S. Lim, Asian School of Development & Crosscultural Studies (ASDECS), Philippines

David Nacho, CETI, Bolivia-Canada*

Las Newman, Lausanne, Jamaica*

Zac Niringiye, Bishop in the Church of Uganda, Uganda*

Ruth Padilla DeBorst, INFEMIT and Comunidad de Estudios Teológicos Interdisciplinarios, Costa Rica*

René Padilla, Kairos Foundation, Argentina*

Melba Padilla Maggay, Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, Philippines*

B. Y. Quarshie, INFEMIT and Akrofi-Christaller Institute, Ghana*

Vinoth Ramachandra, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Sri Lanka*

Lindy Scott, Whitworth University, USA*

Ronald J. Sider, Palmer Seminary at Eastern University, USA*

Craig Stewart, The Warehouse, South Africa*

Al Tizon, North Park Theological Seminary and INFEMIT, USA*

Marcelo Vargas, Bolivia

Robin Wainwright, INFEMIT, USA*

Oscar García-Johnson, Fuller, USA*

*Titles and organizations are listed for identification purposes and do not necessarily reflect the position of the institutions.

(Please consider signing your name in the comments section below.)

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250 Responses

  1. Santiago Padilla DeBorst
    |

    Great to hear this call from world leaders.

  2. JR Rozko
    |

    I am honored to stand in solidarity with my sisters and brothers of the global evangelical family with regard to these concerns and this call.

  4. Annie Kirke
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    Rev Annie Kirke, Christ Church Kenilworth, Cape Town.

  9. Brian Gearin
    |

    I am thankful to have the opportunity to sign this document that reflects my thoughts and perspectives so well.

  10. R. Anderson Campbell
    |

    This call speaks my mind.

  11. Fabio Salguero
    |

    Me uno a la voz de otras personas, que junto a la mía, claman y actúan a favor de las minorías.

  12. Erina Kim-Eubanks
    |

    Amen and amen. May the Church rise up and live as agents of God’s shalom during this time.

  14. Rev. Carlos L. Malavé
    |

    Friends, if my support is useful, please add my name to signatories.

  16. Eleanor Fraser
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    Eleanor Fraser, Cape Town South Africa.

  17. Mike Karim
    |

    With this commitment, I stand-sit-walk with other sisters and brothers throughout the world, and with whom I can still assume with integrity the label of “evangelical,” to pray for our leaders to resist the siren call of a new fascism and to consent to the wisdom and power of the Gospel to enable and constrain their policies and executive action.

  18. Steven Lottering
    |

    Rev. Steven Lottering (Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Cape Town, South Africa)

  19. Wayne Eaves
    |

    Standing together, thank you for this.

  20. Gary Stephens
    |

    The simple weakness and irony in this call to oppose a ‘New Facism’, consistent with much of contemporary rhetoric, is its lack of clariity about what facism actually is. The truth is that in popular literature, political, scholarly, and otherwise, writers define facism to fit their particular concerns. In my own research, Mussolini provided the authoritative statement of this political philosophy. His three points have been characterized in this way:
    1.”Everything in the state”. The Government is supreme and the country is all-encompasing, and all within it must conform to the ruling body, often a dictator. 
    2.”Nothing outside the state”. The country must grow and the implied goal of any fascist nation is to rule the world, and have every human submit to the government. 
    3.”Nothing against the state”. Any type of questioning the government is not to be tolerated. If you do not see things our way, you are wrong. If you do not agree with the government, you cannot be allowed to live and taint the minds of the rest of the good citizens. 
    The use of militarism was implied only as a means to accomplish one of the three above principles, mainly to keep the people and rest of the world in line. Fascist countries are known for their harmony and lack of internal strife. There are no conflicting parties or elections in fascist countries.

    Summarized from ‘Facism Doctrines and Institutions’ (1935), Benito Muasolini, coauthored with Giovanni Gentile.

    If this summary of facism is close to correct, I think that the use of ‘facist’ in this call is counter productive and actually weakens its conclusion.

  21. Anonymous
    |

    Rev. Dr. Daniel Hill
    River City Community Church
    Chicago, IL

  22. Caroline Powell
    |

    Thank you for giving us words and sharing our hearts, may many draw strength, courage and challenge from this call to shalom and justice – Caroline Powell, The Warehouse, Cape Town

  23. John Santiago Espitia Fajardo
    |

    Me uno a este llamado como seguidor de Jesús.

  24. John Santiago Espitia Fajardo (Iglesia Hermandad en Cristo de Colombia- Brethren in Christ Church)
    |

    Me uno a este llamado como seguidor de Jesús.

  25. wombat
    |

    Don’t see how you can have a call to faithfulness while openly lying about fascism, which is the total antithesis since the very word comes from the fascia used by mussolini to describe socialism.

  27. Beth Ferwerda
    |

    Yes! We must actually live out our faith, every day. That may mean taking a stand against unjust laws, etc. Jesus calls us to take care of and defend the “least” – children , refugees, the disabled, etc.

  28. Juan F. Muela
    |

    Pastor Comunidad Cristiana Evangélica de Santutxu (Bilbao) Spain

  29. Faith Totushek
    |

    Rev. Faith Totushek
    WayFinders Church
    Buffalo, MN

  31. Lisa Sharon Harper
    |

    The textbook definition of fascism is authoritarian power plus white nationalism. I believe the term is well applied to our current global context. Thank you for penning this call. I’m in.

    Lisa Sharon Harper
    Chief Church Engagement Officer, Sojourners

  32. Mariani Xavier
    |

    Yes. Standyng together to live the principles of Kingdom of God.

    Pastor in Brazil Church of God

  33. Gary VanderPol
    |

    Amen. A beautiful expression of the gospel for this time.

    Senior Pastor
    Church without Walls, Berkeley, California
    USA

  36. Priscila Barredo Pantí
    |

    Integrante del CD de la Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana/ Comunicadora en Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana, y en el Movimiento con la Niñez y la Juventud.

  39. George McLaren Wieland
    |

    Dr George Wieland, Te Kareti Iriiri o Carey (Carey Baptist College) New Zealand

  42. Richard E. Waldrop
    |

    Pentecostal Peace Fellowdhip

  43. Joel Sierra
    |

    Que los siervos de tu reino se mantengan como ejemplo contrastante de servicio.

  46. Jocabed Reina Solano Miselis
    |

    En unidad con todos aquellos y aquellas que seguimos a Jesús en su Reino de Justicia y Vida.

  48. Giacomo Carlo Di Gaetano
    |

    YES
    Froma Italy, a land which experienced “fascism” and “populism”

  49. Gordon Crowther
    |

    Seeking first the Kingship of God.
    Pastor, Church of the Holy Spirit, Parish of St John Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa.

  51. Carmen Pérez de Camargo
    |

    Seguir y actuar como Jesucristo nos mostró es la única manera de honrarle. En Dios confiamos. Me uno a este llamado.

  52. Ignacio Simal
    |

    ¡Totalmente de acuerdo con el documento!
    Pastor y director de Comunicación de la Iglesia Evangélica Española

  54. Jenny Petersen
    |

    Because I mean it when I pray, Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.

  55. Rodney Koh
    |

    This is what I understand Christianity to be. Happy to stand with all of you. God bless you.

  56. Martin Allaby
    |

    Thank you. ‘All kings will bow down to him and all nations on earth will serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.’

  57. Ram Kumar Lama, IFES Nepal
    |

    I Agree and stand for it.

  59. Zachary Smith
    |

    Zachary Smith – International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Italy

  60. Kristian Kahrs
    |

    Dear fellow brothers and sisters in Christ

    Thank you for your concern about alleged “fascism, racism, misogyny, and religious, sexual and political discrimination” with President Donald J Trump. Since you have not cited one single argument or documentation for your claims, I can conclude that they have no basis in reality. I never saw you complain about the close connections with Hillary Clinton and oppressive Islamic dictatorship like Saudi Arabia. Mr. Trump’s inauguration speech was Christ-based, and your job as Christian leaders should be to pray for him and his team instead of coming with false accusations. Shame on you. You seem to be the worse kind of hypocrites to me.

  62. Carolyn Carney
    |

    Yes! For the glory of God’s splendor!

  63. Matthew McCreight
    |

    Thank you for this — it is especially important to hold ourselves and our brothers/sisters in Christ to account.

  65. Rebecca Fraser
    |

    Honored to have my name added to this mission for all of us. Thank you. To God be the glory and may God have mercy on us all.

  67. Olavo Dias da Silva Filho
    |

    I agree. Shall we pray and join our hearts against every form of Injustice.

  71. Greg Jobe
    |

    Substituting the idol of political liberalism for the idol of political conservatism is still idolatry.

  72. Greg Jobe
    |

    They have “one-upped” the rejected White, evangelical, America message of “if you disagree with my politics, you’re a bad Christian”. Their message is “if you don’t agree with my politics, you are a bad Christian AND a fascist”. The intentional use of inflammatory and misleading labels do not reflect the Gospel.

  73. Ivan Chung
    |

    An honor to align with brothers/sisters around the world who definitely have a word for what they see in the U.S.

  75. Rev. Kyle Taylor, American Baptist Indian Caucus
    |

    I stand in solidarity with the writers and sentiment of this statement.

  76. Víctor Hernández Ramírez
    |

    I support the document.
    Pastor de la Iglesia Evangélica Española, Barcelona.
    Doctor en psicología. Psicoanalista.

  77. David Swanson
    |

    Pastor, New Community Covenant Church
    Chicago, IL USA

  79. Soong-Chan Rah
    |

    Milton B. Engebretson Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism
    North Park Theological Seminary

  80. Michael Pucci
    |

    Michael Pucci

    President, Transformational Initiatives

  81. Juliana Fidler
    |

    I’m grateful for this global community.

  84. Esteban
    |

    Esteban Quiroz González, Licenciado en Derecho.

  85. David Kerrigan
    |

    BMS World Mission
    I warmly welcome this statement.

  87. David Wierzbicki
    |

    Amen!

    Brantford, Ontario, Canada

  89. Jeremy Clampett
    |

    Except for the misuse of the word ‘fascism’ I say amen. And while we’re about it, let’s consider the increasing uselessness of the word ‘evangelical’ which means quite different things in non-English places and clearly now has divergent meanings in the Western church.

  90. Harold Segura. World Vision International
    |

    De acuerdo.

  92. Deborah Hancox
    |

    Thank you and amen.

    From Cape Town.

  93. Marta Márquez
    |

    Suscribo y agradezco a quienes lo escribieron. Ahora hay que vivir de tal manera que la resistencia cristiana sea un testimonio vivo.
    Marta Márquez de Argentina

  95. Melodie Marske
    |

    Come, Lord Jesus, Come, and help your people live according to your ways until that day.

  96. Pastor Maggie Reid
    |

    I stand with our King…and I stand with my Sisters and Brothers in Christ like you. I cannot stand with this president unless he offers himself to God to be changed into a new creation. I pray without ceasing…and trust in our God.
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1)
    Shalom

  97. David A. Bedford, MA in Theology and Bilblical Studies
    |

    I also add my support to this statement of faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ and rejection of the new fascism.

  98. Steve Weatherly-Barton (Gosberton Baptist Church, UK)
    |

    I wholeheartedly endorse the truly evangelical stance of this statement.

  99. Bob Fryling
    |

    I wholeheartedly affirm this call

  102. Ma. Alejandra Andrade V. - Tearfund UK
    |

    Compometida a seguir luchando a favor de la vida, la solidaridad y la justicia.

  104. Rob Kilpatrick
    |

    Thank you for naming the growing evil blight for what it is. I’m glad we have some evangelical leaders ho can read the signs of the times. Well done

  107. LIseth Estevez
    |

    Recently, a FB friend posted that, Trump is the president for American citizens implying that those who are not shouldn’t have an opinion. I am not an American citizen, but it is my right to raise my voice since I live in the USA and my children are American citizen. Even if I weren’t, the international influence of President Trump is evident and cannot be ignored..specially for Christians since he does not represent biblical values and is jeopardizing human rights.

  109. Carmen Mollo
    |

    Firmó en total acuerdo al pronunciamiento

  110. Dan Schmitz
    |

    Thanks you for offering a clear statement of resistance from a Gospel perspective. The church needs to stand up for the poor and marginalized, and needs to stand against the self centered assertion that we should put ourselves above all others.

  112. Octavia Tomyn
    |

    Articulate, Clear and succinct. Thank you.
    Octavia Tomyn

  113. Robyn
    |

    Thanks you for offering a clear statement of resistance from a Gospel perspective. The church needs to stand up for the poor and marginalized, and needs to stand against the self centred assertion that we should put ourselves above all others. We women love to support the refugees of Marginalised people from other faiths and countries!

  114. Gustavo Sepulveda Mtz
    |

    La verdad debe ser conocida, no sólo es nuestro trabajo, sino nuestro deber, no por obligación sino por amor a Dios y a los demás.

    Matehuala, México

  115. Andy Warren-Rothlin
    |

    United Bible Societies and Theological College of Northern Nigeria

  116. Victoria Sharkey
    |

    Thank you for speaking out.

  118. Rebecca Wilson Parry
    |

    I am with you on this initiative and wholeheartedly endorse your words as an evangelical Christian and an American living in South Africa.

  119. Sergio Alvarado
    |

    May be we the face of the love of Jesus to everybody in the World, regardless their political views, sex, social condition, or Religion.
    Sergio Alvarado,
    Christian Mexican Immigrant in USA

  120. Holly Teitsma
    |

    Beautifully spoken.
    I sign for myself.
    I am a psychologist at The Carole & Ronald Krist Samaritan Center and an M.Div. student at Western Theological Seminary.

  121. Maurizio Cianci
    |

    Interesting piece, I read it from a friend’s Facebook post.

    As an Italian, I can tell you that my parents and extended family have lived under Mussolini; I think we have a fair idea what real Fascism is, how it works and what it does to a people and a nation.

    It would have been helpful if the authors had provided us with their definition of “fascism” – old or ‘new’.
    Allow me. Merriam-Webster on line dictionary: “Fascism. A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition”.
    Are they suggesting that there are no checks and balances in, say, the American political system, designed to prevent this very thing, the rise of a would-be dictatorial leader?

    Did the Authors feel equally compelled to issue statements about the previous US administration, sympathetic and welcoming as it was towards middle eastern islamic royal families et al., negatively biased towards Israel, the only democratic island in an ocean of Islamic injustices, cruelty and ruthlessness? (That is not to imply that Israel gets everything right, all the time).
    Or perhaps they felt the need to issue similar “warnings” about the Democratic Presidential candidate, not a stellar example of biblical integrity and values?
    I wonder.

    Have they felt the need to address the spiritual and cultural suicide of Western Europe, happening before our very eyes, because of the onslaught of a false religion, with its false prophet and god and thanks to weak, spiritually ignorant, biblically illiterate leaders – political and religious?
    I wonder.

    I have searched the website but I could not find any of the above; If I have missed it I apologise, someone may care to help in directing my search please.

    Compassion for refugees in genuine need – an unqualified yes! Jesus would ask for no less.
    Politically Correct surrender and capitulation to “migrants” whose unshakeable belief and “calling” is our subjugation and annihilation – I think not.

    The authors appear well meaning; but it is hard not to perceive in the piece more than a hint of not-so-veiled political propaganda.
    As for their criticism of other Evangelicals who have chosen a different view, stance and action… well, that is a bit rich.
    It is my sincere hope that they, as “fellowship of mission theologians-practitioners” are not suggesting to have the monopoly of the calling and guidance of the Triune God.

    I provide my name but, with respect, not as signature of my approval.

  122. Carolina Lucio
    |

    Decididamente del lado de los mas débiles porque es el de Jesús.

  124. Uwe Seibert
    |

    As a German, I strongly support this, knowing that in Germany our task is to prevent fascism to regain power in our country, too.

  125. Lynell Zogbo
    |

    I think the name of Jesus was evoked more times than ever before during this inauguration ceremony. Some or even many may find a reason to rejoice in this, but the words pronounced by the person being sworn in did not reflect the global tenure and values we see in the Bible. Maybe yes, the word facism needs definition but I am thankful to see Christians “telling the truth in love”. May the brothers and sisters heed this call.

  126. Elizabeth Jones
    |

    I agree, God will hold them ALL responsible for their actions and deeds!

  127. Antonia Leonora van der Meer
    |

    I agree wholeheartedly with these concerns

  129. Laura Miller-Purrenhage
    |

    Well said and Amen!

  133. Anonymous
    |

    Elizabeth Sendek, Colombia.
    Amén.

    .

  135. Peter Rowan
    |

    Peter Rowan
    OMF International (UK)

  136. Tan Kong Beng. Malaysia.
    |

    A humble YES to stand against all kinds of fascism.

  139. GOH Keat Peng
    |

    My welcome and gratitude to this articulation of my own revulsion and distaste for the use of the evangelical faith in support of such unCHRISTian and unCHRISTlike political personages. What HOLY SCRIPTURE is being cited in support of such vileness and degradation. This is SACRILEGE no less.

  140. Joaquín Ponce de León
    |

    Como agua fresca al sediento, me llega esta iniciativa. En México comparto la perspectiva desde la fe que nos es común, cuyo fundamento inamovible es La Palabra

  141. Daniel White Hodge
    |

    I’m in!
    Director of The Center For Youth Ministry Studies & Associate Professor of Youth Ministry
    North Park University, Chicago IL

  144. Ernesto Saavedra
    |

    Charlotte, North Carolina

  146. Mifflin Ann Saavedra
    |

    Charlotte, North Carolina

  150. A Concerned Christian
    |

    There is so much wrong with this paper it’s hard to know where to begin. It’s as if nobody bothered to look up the true definition of fascism. If we’ve learned anything from the US election, it’s that we can not trust the media to be honest. By repeating what the biased media did and calling someone names without ANY specific proof, we only embarrass Christianity and detract from what should be our goal of evangelism, not political hysteria.

    If anyone bothered to understand the history of fascism, they’d understand Trump is further away from fascism than Obama or Hillary. Fascism is all about More Power to the State, and Less Individual Liberty. It’s all about concentrating all power in the state, leaving the individual entirely subordinate to the state. Communism, Socialism and Fascism are at the opposite end from Free Market Capitalism and Individual Liberty, which is clearly Trump’s position. Communism nationalizes private property and Fascism CONTROLS it. We only have to look at the US healthcare system to see that Obamacare took over the US healthcare system, established the rules for the private insurance market and mandated that all Americans must buy the product. Obama used the Stimulus money to fund Democrat donor pet projects that rewarded the donors, but failed and cost the taxpayers millions (e.g. Solyndra). Trump has already facilitated companies to keep jobs in the US by controlling more of their own profits via tax incentives to invest in America, which benefits all businesses and consumers… the OPPOSITE of fascism. Fascism is aggressively expansionist, but Trump is more of an isolationist. There are many more examples of how the assertion that Trump is fascist is laughable. Also, it takes multiple, specific, factual and clear examples to accuse someone of being a fascist. Just like we reject proof texting when someone pulls a Bible verse out of context to assert Christians believe X, or the Bible is inconsistent because of Y, we should reject general statements that about political leaders that don’t have even a fraction of the evidence required to make such claims.

    The true examples of fascism can be found primarily on the Left. College campuses use fascist tactics to prevent open dialog on campuses if the speakers don’t agree with the Left ideological positions. Students are routinely demeaned for expressing Christian views. Recently, Women march organizers rejected Women’s groups from participating in the march because they were pro-life, and Christian women who did join in the march were spit upon and physically attacked. Obama has prevented honest dialog on Climate Change by punishing scientists who don’t agree with his decree that “the science is settled.” The examples are endless if we’re honest.

    Trump clearly has character issues, but accusing him of being the next Mussolini or Hitler is beyond any rational argument and only embarrasses those who resort to such outrageous statements without evidence to back it up. One of Trump’s key themes was his commitment to return the power to the people. He criticized Washington DC and politicians from BOTH parties because they had taken too much power from the people. Lower taxes, more choice on healthcare, smaller government, etc. are OPPOSITE from Fascist ideals, which by the way, were espoused by Obama, Hillary and Bernie.

    This is a shameful paper, unfortunately written by far-left activists that would be better served spreading the Gospel and not falling for the name calling tactics that turned American voters against the politics of the Left. By calling out and criticizing some of America’s strongest Christian leaders who supported Trump and opposed the anti-Christian positions of Hillary, the signers have put themselves in an extremist box, worthy of ridicule and rejection by mainstream Christians.

    Where were these concerned Christians when Christians were being attacked by the Left in America? Where were these concerned Christians when the Left ran Christian bakers out of business for serving all their customers (including gays) but not wanting to celebrate something that goes against Christian values? (By the way, this State punishment of those who don’t bow down to what the State says is Right/Wrong IS DE FACTO FASCIST ACTIONS TAKEN BY FASCIST STATE ACTORS.) Where were these concerned Christians when abortion and attacks on the Christian view on marriage were rampant during the last 8 years? One can only attribute silence then, and over the top name calling now, to their extremist views that damage advancing core Christian values.

    Wide publication of this paper will, unfortunately, be seized upon by the Left to split Christians and pit them against each other, arguing politics and name calling instead of serving Christ. It would have been better to call out concerns about the Trump administration that we should monitor and pray about instead of going into hysterical and baseless name calling before he even takes office.

  151. Yolanda
    |

    Thank you Concerned Christian. I’m breathing again after I read your comment.

  152. Jun Gonzaga
    |

    Count me in.

    Dear Concerned Christian. The paper raised its warning against what they believe to be the “new fascism”, and it listed down the issues/concerns that this phenomenon raises up. These are the issues that you need to dismiss and/or debunk to reject the paper and so move towards a more meaningful discussion among brothers and sisters.

  153. David MacPherson
    |

    Hi Jun… let me jump in and give you one ‘issue’ raised by the statement. It accuses those leaders (and presumably the naive ‘sheep’ who followed them) who voted the ‘wrong’ way in the recent referenda in Colombia and the UK as contributing to the new fascism. The very suggestion that in the referenda in question there was only ‘one’ way for faithful Christians to vote smacks of fascism ‘light’. The reality is that faithful believers voted on both sides of the debate in the aforementioned referenda; to suggest otherwise and ‘demonise’ those you disagree with seems to fall into the very error that the signatories are decrying.

  154. Doug Flett
    |

    Like Yolanda, I breathed again when ‘Concerned Christian’ commented. The piece falls for the ‘divide-and-conquer’ tactic. Its rationale has gaps, its omission of the faults of previous administration’s bent on a new world order are worrying, but above all it is the polarising tone that is corrosive. This is not a binary choice question. We can have unity and diversity.

  155. Clarke Robertson
    |

    I’m more contemplative than evangelical, but I am 100% in agreement here!

  156. Alexander Vaughn
    |

    Amen! — A. Vaughn, Houston, TX, Southwest Central Church of Christ member

  158. Rev. Constance McIntosh
    |

    Peace be with you.
    All honor and glory to God alone!
    Rev. Constance McIntosh
    First Presbyterian Church
    Welsh, Louisiana. USA

  160. Chris W
    |

    I submit that the authors and possibly the signers of this declaration have no idea what fascism actually is. They ought to have checked an encyclopedia before proceeding with such blatent misinformation.

    Trump may be a heathen demagogue, but he is not a fascist. And Brexit was supported by a variety of people, for a variety of reasons, almost none of which had anything to do with fascism. How can you think you will be taken seriously when making such ridiculous claims? This is nothing but a piece of pointless virtue signalling.

  161. Marco Gutierrez
    |

    According with this document my family, me, and other millions of Christians evangelicals are contributors to the “new fascism” and I am proud of that because that is better than allows that global organizations like the ONU, ONG’s, LGBTI ORG’s impose their gender ideology to the nations. Colombia people, in special the Christians have demonstrated that with the help of God we can win elections to the powerful worldwide organizations that take advantage of the wars, poor people and migrants to enriching themselves.

  162. Nina Balmaceda
    |

    We join all of you in this timely call to reason and faithful and humble service to a world in need!

  163. David Fenrick
    |

    “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” ~MLK

  164. Ryan Ku-Borden
    |

    Yes. Amen. The Church of America must BE the Church again, calling it’s leaders to principles of justice and life. We must flee the bed of Caesar and a co-opted faith.
    #ConfessingChurch

  165. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom
    |

    Thank you for this faithful and thoughtful statement.
    Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, North Park Theological Seminary

  166. Meriam Hunter
    |

    Thank you and may God bless our efforts!

  168. Steve Young
    |

    The truth of this thoughtful and sober statement can be seen already in the first steps Trump is taking — clamp down on communication out of the EPA so that nothing is said except what reflects Trump’s uninformed views; prohibit cities and their elected officials from self-designation as cities of refuge (all power help by the federal government under Trump and none by local officials, regardless of whether they represent the will of the people); begin immediately on the process of re-opening overseas CIA interrogation camps even though their practices have traditionally gone against the U.S. Constitution, something which is not likely to change given that as a candidate Trump advocated torturing not only suspected terrorists, but also their family members; have the White House Press Secretary begin his tenure by blatantly disregarding the truth in his statements — just to name a few.

    This is but the tip of the iceberg, because it comes from a leader with no moral compass. Things are beginning badly, but are going to get much worse.

    As the church we’ve always been called to look elsewhere than political leaders for our moral guidance. We need to pray especially for those who are most affected by this new reality, and to act in whatever ways we can. Think of the examples of Martin Luther King, Jr., of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, of the many who ran the underground railroad; or if you prefer think of the example of Christ himself who took the side of the least of these. It’s never too late to start being the church.

  171. Víctor Angulo Guzmán
    |

    Nos adherimos con esperanza. Centro Evangélico de Estudios Pastorales (CEEP valdivia) – Chile

  173. Bill Cook
    |

    I’m on board with the substance of the statement, very well written and biblically sound. I’m a Presbyterian layman from Montana, and want to add my support.

    (However, I am somewhat queasy about the use of the word “fascism.” On October 21, 2016, the Washington Post ran an op-ed piece that analyzed whether Trump fit the definition of a fascist. Conclusion: although Trump does exhibit some fascist tendencies, it may not be accurate to call him a fascist.)

  174. Elycoper J. Raborar
    |

    Standing with you all against Neo Fascism

  180. Deborah Masten
    |

    Deborah Masten
    Amen. Thank you.

  181. César Marques Lopes
    |

    César Marques Lopes

  182. Gideon van der Watt
    |

    I totally agree. May God be merciful on us all and our world.

  184. Rev. SCOTT Dorn
    |

    I stand with this timely word! May God bless us!

  185. Caresse Nguyen
    |

    Thank you! I stand with you.

  186. Daniela Mailänder (Germany)
    |

    Thank you for your courage!

  188. AspireSiete
    |

    (A little poetic reflection to accompany my thoughts from this great declaration) Thank you for writing.

    “Democracy”

    Under the wavering sky of terra fallows
    Mistaken wanderers wallow.
    Ripened and bruised in hope,
    disheveled, forlorn, cast away
    in hinterland groves of mourning.
    Sun crest and silver lining,
    glint catches on spinning pneumatics;
    emphatic prophets’ songs siren shrieks alarms.
    Discarded journeys, the brick mason flees;
    spider glass reverberations,
    silent calls call of anxious pixies.
    Infant punk dreams, haughty, lofty
    glories of grandfathers caressing democracy.
    Laissez faire kisses on refugee wagons,
    sunken eyes on seas of churning loss;
    and morning deserts dusk in bitter
    brothers sorrow,
    and mothers opine hope for tomorrow.

  189. Dale Durie
    |

    Thankful for my sisters and brothers in Christ from around the world who crafted such a solid statement, and that I can say I stand with them!

  191. rev chandramohan
    |

    rev s chandra mohan
    church of south india chennai

  194. Vincent Miéville
    |

    I totally agree ! An important call for today.

    Vincent Miéville
    Pres. Free Evangelical Churches in France

  195. Immo Czerlinski
    |

    Stand up! Stay together!
    Immo Czerlinski, Pastor
    Freie evangelische Gemeinde Saarlouis, Germany

  196. Fred Elliott-Hart
    |

    With thanks for this important voice and call.
    Fred Elliott-Hart, Sr. Pastor
    Forest Hills Covenant Church
    Boston, Massachusetts
    USA

  198. Daniel Pastircak
    |

    thank you – your voice is expresing our own concerns in Eastern europe

    this new fascism is often using christian rethoric – and we should recognise it and openly opose it

  199. Mariano Avila
    |

    Muchas gracias. Como quienes están sufriendo ya las consecuencias del nuevo régimen, nos sumamos al escrito.

  200. MANUEL RONCERO
    |

    Thank you very much for voicing what is in my heart. / Gracias por ponerle voz a lo que está en mi corazón. / Merci beaocup pour metre en parole ce qui est dans mon coeur./ Mila esker berbetan jartzeagatik bihotzean dagoena.

  202. Wilfredo Canales
    |

    Asumimos esta declaracion. Fidelidad al Senior, siempre!!!

  205. Rev. Josue Fonseca
    |

    Yes, I agree too. Raise your voice people of God with no fear.
    Josué Fonseca, Chile

  210. Raimon Reginaldo Monllor
    |

    Amen, amen, amen, aaaamen!

  211. Marcelo Olate
    |

    Con ustedes hermanos y hermanas.

    Marcelo Olate, MATh’s student
    CMU, Canada.

  212. Noeh R. Vios
    |

    Count me in.
    Noeh R. Vios
    Diliman Bible Church, Quezon City, Philippines

  213. Alvin Manalo Molito
    |

    I say NO to ALL forms of FASCISM and authoritative rule of psychopaths.
    Manila, Philippines

  214. Terry Halliday
    |

    I stand with you!
    Terry Halliday
    Chicago IL

  215. Jose Tomas
    |

    El que tenga oidos para oir, oiga

  218. Oscar Margenet Nadal
    |

    By all means I suscribe this open call. It encourages men and women of good will and sincere heart to get together and create the necessary synergies to stop all forms of authoritarianism, anywhere in the world.

  219. Rubén Bernal Pavón
    |

    Nos toca dar el nombre pero también dispuestos a “dar la cara”.

  220. Christian Giordano
    |

    Yes, I subscribe wholeheartedly. Sí, suscribo de todo corazón.

  221. Jennifer Balch
    |

    May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless all mankind with wisdom, discernment, patience, and perseverance, now and always.

  222. cuny colleges
    |

    My mom and dad and so i have been speaking about it fairly recently.
    We couldn’t arrived at the arrangement for this matter.
    Fortunately, this submit clarifies almost everything.
    Will be sending it to them, so they will know it far too. http://bit.ly/2opNQ4q

  225. William J. Rainey
    |

    I see fascism developing in my nation and I hear people arguing whether it is or isn’t, comparing the fetus to the standing adult.

    While I personally find abortion repugnant, although I do support a woman’s right to choose, I believe in this particular case abortion of the fetus is called for.

  226. Becky Macfarlane
    |

    Thank you for this bold statement which acknowledges the responsibility of those who call themselves by the name of Christ to truly live in obedience to him, not seeking their own welfare but his honour in serving and standing up for the needy and oppressed. He is Lord.

  229. Stan Friedman
    |

    Thinking it couldn’t happen here has made it possible.

  230. Peter Rowan,
    |

    former UK Co-National Director OMF International

  231. Otto van Tuijl
    |

    This call was missed by me in 2017 but I very gladly sign this call as a concerned christian from the Netherlands. This call is now even more needed than 8 years ago. I also believe that nothing happens without the knowledge and permission of our almighty God and Father of our Saviour Jezus Christ. Let us also consider this on the 20th of January 2025 when the inaugeration will take place during the Week of Prayer for the unity of Christianity.

  232. Fohle Lygunda li-M
    |

    This should be considered as a difficult time for World Christianity.

  236. Jay Mātenga
    |

    Loving Jesus, Prince of Peace, son of the living God, have mercy on us, sinners, in these darkening days.

    Guide us by the light of your love. May we who are your people, called by your name, embody love, exhibit joy, bring peace, persist with patience, and pursue goodness. Lead us to serve our bent and broken world to co-create your New Creation in our lived realities, the evidence of your true Kingdom at work, with gentleness, loving kindness, faithfulness, and self control.

    Spirit of God enable us to walk through the world humbly, to resist power, to love mercy, to boldly seek justice, and meekly manifest the righteousness of God that runs counter to all that this aggressive world thinks is right. We acknowledge that our battle is not against fellow humans, but against the unseen authorities that rebel against you. We know they and their parody empires will not prevail before you, your glory will not be diminished. It will only be magnified as we stand against their purposes.

    We stand, then, strengthened by your truth, encouraged by your righteousness, stable in the gospel of peace, shielded by our unwavering faith in the kenotic liberty we have in Christ, our minds set on the safety of the non-anxious presence of our Saviour, countering every evil thrust with your will revealed to us by your Spirit.

    As we obey your call on each of us to serve your purposes, empower us to converse with you at all times, fully dependent on you alone as we remain alert in defensive solidarity with one another, working and waiting for your return, Jesus, in the fulness of your authoritative glory to make all things permanently new.

    Your Kingdom come, your will be done, in all the Earth, as it is in heaven. For ever and ever, amen.

  237. Amanda Jackson
    |

    I totally endorse these words.
    And pray that God will extend his gracious hand over all who cry out for justice.

  238. David C. Wang
    |

    Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA)

  240. Jeffrey K. Greenberg
    |

    Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College Earth and Environmental Science
    Such darkness. We grieve, but we must do so together and hold each other’s life with our own. A new thing shall arise out the ashes of the USA’s failure.

  241. Damon So
    |

    Amen to that.

    We should not think political leaders can be that influential; the real influence comes from good and hardworking people in the world. The people’s movements will be more significant in the long run. We will see the end of Trump in a few years time and then no more. That will be the end for him. But for others , there will be much more opportunities and time for doing good. Look to the future and see how much difference you can make as grassroots people in the here and now.

  243. Aracely Bock
    |

    Amen….Thank you for these words. I’m grateful to stand with you..
    Seguramente con ustedes, hermanos y hermanas..

  244. Susan
    |

    Adding my name, efforts and prayers to all of this.

  245. Susan Maros
    |

    Affiliate Associate Professor of Christian Leadership, Fuller Theological Seminary

    Matthew 25:32

  246. Emily Choge
    |

    I pray that the community of God’s faithful people will continue to shine amidst the darkness of the time and to lead many to righteousness even as we pray and work to hasten the “Kingdom of Justice and Peace in the world.

  248. Bob Rice
    |

    I 100% affirm this specific and timely call to biblical faithfulness in response to oppression in all its forms, with particular concern for the “New Fascism” we are seeing in the United States and elsewhere.

  249. Wonhyuk Chung
    |

    I am grateful and empathetic for having such a voice.

  250. Stephanie Lowery
    |

    Thank you for this call to faithfulness!

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