Uncovering the Hidden Threat: The Support of White Christian Nationalism by Latino Faith Leaders

Worshippers attending a concert by evangelical musician Sean Feucht on the National Mall, October 25, 2020, Washington, D.C. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

The resurgence of white Christian nationalism, a movement that combines white supremacy with a distorted view of Christian values, has marked the political landscape of the United States in recent years. This ideology has found a foothold in various segments of society, including some Latino faith communities. A recent report by the Public Religion Research Institute stated that about 55% of Latino Protestants also qualify as Christian Nationalists!

What I don’t think some of these Latinos realize is that supporting specific political figures and initiatives, such as Trump and Project 2025, may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of white supremacy, an ideology that most certainly does not have their best interests in mind. Rev. Carlos Malave, President of the Latino Christian National Network also agrees that many Latinos don’t know what they support and even organized a summit to help educate faith leaders so they could educate others in September of 2023.

Here I briefly explore how Latino faith leaders might unknowingly support this agenda (giving them the benefit of the doubt of course) and discuss strategies for educated and aware Latinos to disseminate crucial information to their communities. Additionally, we will examine how Latinos and blacks can collaborate to combat white Christian nationalism and promote a more inclusive and just society. Insights from my former Union Theological Seminary professor, Pamela Cooper-White's book "The Psychology of Christian Nationalism," enhance this analysis.

The Hidden Support for White Supremacy

While some Latino faith leaders know precisely what they are supporting, I genuinely believe some support political figures and initiatives that align with their values without recognizing the underlying implications. In light of Cooper-White's observations, here are some ways that this support might unintentionally contribute to white supremacy:

1. Aligning with Nationalistic Narratives: According to Cooper-White, nationalism often emphasizes a homogeneous national identity that can exclude or marginalize minority groups. By supporting leaders and policies that promote nationalism, Latino faith leaders may unknowingly align themselves with white supremacist ideologies that seek to maintain racial and cultural hierarchies.
2. Endorsing Restrictive Immigration Policies: Most Latinos agree that we need to do something about the immigration system that was broken for many decades, but strict immigration policies often disproportionately affect Latino communities. Supporting these policies can inadvertently uphold a broader agenda of exclusion, aligning with white supremacist goals to limit the demographic and cultural influence of minority groups.
3. Ignoring Racial Injustice: Cooper-White highlights how white Christian nationalism often involves a denial of systemic racism. By not addressing systemic racism and its impacts, faith leaders may perpetuate a status quo that benefits white supremacy. Silence on issues of racial injustice can be interpreted as tacit approval of existing inequalities. As many have said in various circles, online and in print, “to be silent is to be complicit.”
4. Promoting Traditional Gender Roles: White supremacist ideologies often include rigid gender roles and patriarchal structures. Supporting traditional gender roles within faith communities usually reinforces these oppressive systems.
5. Economic Policies: I often feel that many Latinos forget where they came from. Like some, I grew up in the hood, in the projects, poor, and often on government assistance. Our family would have been in dire straits if not for what was available to help make ends meet. So to endorse economic policies that favor the wealthy and harm low-income and minority communities can further entrench systemic inequalities. These policies often disproportionately affect Latino and Black communities, exacerbating economic disparities and supporting white supremacist structures.

Strategies to Disseminate Information

To counteract the subversive influence of white Christian nationalism, it is essential for educated and aware Latinos to disseminate information and raise awareness within their communities actively. Here are several strategies to achieve this, drawing on Cooper-White’s recommendations:

1. Educational Campaigns: Develop and distribute educational materials explaining the connections between specific political agendas and white supremacy. These materials should be accessible and engaging, utilizing language and examples that resonate with the Latino community.
2. Community Workshops: Host workshops and seminars in churches, community centers, and online platforms to educate people about the impact of white Christian nationalism. These events can provide a space for open dialogue, allowing people to ask questions and share their concerns.
3. Social Media Advocacy: Leverage social media platforms to share information, personal stories, and resources about the dangers of white Christian nationalism. Social media can reach a broad audience and rapidly disseminate essential messages.
4. Collaborations with Scholars: Partner with academics and researchers in the Latino community to provide evidence-based insights and historical context. Scholarly input can enhance the credibility and depth of the information being shared.
5. Faith-Based Messaging: Frame the conversation in a faith context, emphasizing the Christian values of justice, equality, and love for all people are also things that Jesus cares about. Highlighting how these values oppose white supremacy can resonate deeply with faith communities.

Collaborative Efforts Between Latinos and Blacks Against White Christian Nationalism

In many faith spaces, the conversation still is very much Black and White, but Latinos and Blacks share a common struggle against the systemic oppression perpetuated by white Christian nationalism. These communities can amplify their impact by working together and fostering a united front against this pervasive ideology. Here are several ways to collaborate effectively:

1. Interfaith Dialogues: Organize interfaith and interracial dialogues to build understanding and solidarity. These conversations can help identify common goals and strategies for combating white Christian nationalism.
2. Joint Advocacy Campaigns: Launch joint advocacy campaigns focused on critical issues such as immigration reform, criminal justice reform, and voting rights. Collaborating on these efforts can demonstrate unity and increase the campaigns' visibility and impact.
3. Shared Platforms: Create platforms for shared leadership and representation in Latino and Black communities to ensure diverse voices are heard. This can include joint leadership councils, community forums, and collaborative media projects.
4. Mutual Support Networks: bell hooks said, “One of the most vital ways we sustain ourselves is by building communities of resistance, places where we know we are not alone.” So, let’s establish support networks to address the specific challenges faced by both communities and the things we will face as the U.S. continues to go backward in time. These networks can provide resources, mentorship, and solidarity.
5. Policy Advocacy: Collaborate on policy advocacy efforts to promote legislation that protects and empowers minority communities. This can include lobbying for anti-discrimination laws, affordable housing initiatives, and equitable healthcare policies.
6. Community-Based Research: Conduct and share research on the impacts of white Christian nationalism on both communities to inform strategies and actions. This research can highlight the specific ways in which these ideologies harm Latino and Black populations.
7. Media Representation: Work together to ensure fair and accurate representation of both communities in the media. Challenging stereotypes and promoting positive narratives can shift public perception and counteract the influence of white Christian nationalism.
8. Solidarity Protests: Participate in and support each other’s protests and demonstrations to show unity and strength in numbers. Joint protests can draw larger crowds and attract more media attention, amplifying the message.
9. Leadership Training: Invest in leadership development programs that prepare community leaders to address the challenges posed by white Christian nationalism effectively. These programs can equip leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for justice and equality.

The Collective Struggle

The insidious influence of white Christian nationalism poses a significant threat to the ideals of justice, equality, and inclusivity. Latino faith leaders, whether aware or not, may sometimes find themselves supporting policies and figures that bolster this ideology. It is crucial for those who are educated and aware to take proactive steps in disseminating information and raising awareness within their communities.

Moreover, collaboration between Latinos and Blacks can create a powerful force against the pervasive influence of white Christian nationalism. These communities can promote a more inclusive and just society by working together through interfaith dialogues, joint advocacy campaigns, shared platforms, and mutual support networks. The fight against white supremacy is a collective struggle, and only through unity and solidarity can it be effectively challenged and overcome. Let’s get to it!