Presentations by: Matt Lewellyn-Otten of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism & Jerry Gale of Christians Against Christian Nationalism
In person or via Zoom
Zoom Link will be posted closer to the event time.
Rondo Library, 461 N Dale St, St Paul, MN 55103
(On the light rail line at the corner of University Ave. & Dale St.)
(There is free underground parking off of University Ave.)
SCHEDULE
1:00-1:30 pm - Library and Underground Parking open. Social Time. Zoom starts.
1:30-1:45 pm - Minnesota Atheists Business Meeting.
1:45-2:00 pm - Break / Social Time
2:00-3:30 pm - Public Meeting: “Standing Up to Christian Nationalism”
3:30 pm - Optional after-meeting dinner *
*Los Ocampo [Mexican] Restaurant 615 University Ave W St. Paul, MN 55103 (kitty-corner northeast from the library)
MATT LEWELLYN-OTTEN of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism
This presentation explores the rise of white Christian nationalism in the United States, examining how it has shaped political and cultural life. By unpacking its blend of racial hierarchy, religious fundamentalism, and claims of divine authority, we will uncover how this movement wields faith as a tool for power, control, and exclusion. Matt will also give us a glimpse into the ways in which Christian nationalism makes its way into Christian purity culture, his own experiences with Christian nationalism as a teen growing up in South Carolina, and ways in which we can begin to thoughtfully critique white Christian nationalism.
We will also focus on the tangible consequences of Christian nationalism in contemporary policy and legislation, highlighting its profound impact on queer communities. From anti-LGBTQ+ laws to religious freedom exemptions that sanction discrimination, this ideology fuels systemic harm while masking itself as moral righteousness. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersecting forces of religion, race, and politics—and leave with tools to critically engage, resist, and envision liberating alternatives.
Matt joined the OutFront team in the fall of 2021 as the Religious Organizer. Before joining the team, Matt spent the majority of their career in Youth Ministry working in the United Church of Christ, Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches. In their current role as the Director of Religious and Community Organizing, Matt works with faith communities across the state to bring them along in the advocacy and inclusion of queer people in all faith practices. Additionally, he works with communities across the state to build power of the LGBTQIA+ community, listen deeply to the needs of queer people and their allies, educate the public on issues affecting the queer community, and mobilize communities to create systemic change. Matt is a Minnesota transplant originally from South Carolina where he attended Erskine College and studied Bible and Religion. Later, Matt earned their Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Charleston and their Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology.
JERRY GALE of Christians Against Christian Nationalism
Jerry Gale, a member of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis, will speak on “Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism.” Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, damaging both the Christian faith and America’s democracy. It implies that to be a good American, one must be a Christian. This presentation provides information about Christian nationalism and ways for Christians, people of other faiths, and secular individuals to respond to Christian nationalism.
Gale first became aware of Christian nationalism on Jan. 6, 2021, after seeing footage of Christian symbols being carried by those who broke into the U.S. Capitol. Shortly after that, he discovered the website Christians Against Christian Nationalism. In January 2024, he formed the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Minnesota group and is sharing his message throughout the state. He is retired, lives in Columbia Heights, and believes that the Timberwolves will win an NBA championship.
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