SojoMail - Denouncing fascism is a Christian responsibility

View this email in your browser This week: Trump’s fascist rhetoric, Harris’ strong abortion claim, and Titus Kaphar’s artful new film on forgiveness and fatherhood. Christian Faith Requires Us to Speak Out Against Fascist Rhetoric Adam Russell Taylor writes in this week’s SojoMail that Christians of all stripes must condemn language when it crosses that line: In a recent interview with The New York Times, four-star general John Kelly said that he believed former President Donald Trump met the definition of a fascist leader. Kelly, who served from 2017 to 2019 as Trump’s chief of staff, compared definitions of fascism with Trump’s behavior: “Certainly the former president is in the far-right area, he’s certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators — he has said that. So he certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure.” As I’ve written before, “fascist” isn’t a word I ever use lightly. It’s not a word that resonates with most Americans, and I’ve worried using that word will only further polarize our deeply divided nation. But Trump’s escalating rhetoric, especially over the past few months, calls for moral clarity: It is time to state emphatically that Trump’s rhetoric is increasingly and dangerously fascist. Fascist rhetoric is plenty distressing on its own; racism and attacking one’s political enemies are just plain morally wrong. But we also have a long record of these tactics being used by other strongmen political leaders to gain and consolidate power and commit some of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Read the full article Advertisement Our Latest Stories Harris Declines to Consider Religious Exemptions for Abortion Laws (by Bekah McNeel) In an interview, Harris rebuffed the idea of concessions, including religious exemptions for providers. Experts say federal abortion rights wouldn’t pass without them. Read more Faith Groups Respond to Biden’s Proposal to Expand Contraception Coverage (by Bekah McNeel) Reproductive choice advocates celebrated the proposal to make insurance cover contraception; it’s unclear how other groups will respond. Read more In ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness,’ Titus Kaphar Seeks Generational Healing (by Josina Guess) Kaphar spoke with Sojourners about his new film, women in the church, and finding forgiveness through art and fatherhood. Read more From the Magazine: Becoming a Poll Worker Is One Way To Show Hospitality (by Chris Crawford) “There’s a role that poll workers can play in recognizing the image of God in every voter that’s coming forward.” Read more Advertisements Director of the MCC United Nations Office MCC is seeking a Director for the MCC UN Office who will lead MCC's presence at the UN as a global platform for the church and MCC partners around the world to advocate, communicate and educate regarding social and political policies and practices that promote justice, peace and reconciliation. 100 sermons on sexual and domestic violence Scripture is not silent on abuse, but these stories are often missing in our Sunday morning teachings. You can change this! Visit our 100 Sermons on Sexual and Domestic Violence collection and be equipped to tackle these biblical accounts and speak out on sexual and domestic violence. Donate Subscribe Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2024 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Sojourners | 408 C St. NE | Washington, DC 20002 Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842