As part of the 37th Ecumenical Forum, the discussion on Monday, 15 June 2026, will focus on how Christian churches in the United States and Germany are responding to Christian nationalism and social exclusion.

Within the US-American MAGA movement, ideas associated with Christian nationalism have gained significant influence. These include ethnic nationalism, ideas of power and dominance, white and male supremacy, and anti-Muslim crusader rhetoric. Much of this recalls the “positive Christianity” promoted in Nazi Germany. At the same time, notions of a “Christian West” under threat from external forces are also widespread in Germany today.

The event will explore German-American church relations and ask what opportunities exist for shared learning and joint action. The United Church of Christ (UCC) sees itself as an inclusive church and takes a clear stand against racist forms of Christian nationalism. At the same time, churches in Germany are debating how to respond to right-wing exclusion and resentment.

The discussion will feature Rev. Eleanor McCormick (EMS/UCC, Stuttgart), Senior Church Councillor Ute Hedrich (Church Office of the EKD, Hanover), and Rev. Riley Edwards-Raudonat (Ludwigsburg), who will contribute perspectives from his close connections with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The event will be held in English with German translation.

Join us to listen, share your own experiences, and engage in conversation with participants from the worldwide community.

Registration for the Zoom conference:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/usKuzbODQDapvKX63Rq4Iw