In the face of what they term 'Trump 2.0' and a rising tide of Christian nationalism, American faith leaders are declaring that their most potent weapon lies not in Washington, but within their own local church communities. Pastors Doug Pagitt and Lori Walke have outlined a grassroots strategy of resistance, arguing that the collective power of congregations is essential to counter a political movement they believe distorts Christian values.
The Rise of Maga Christianity and a National Agenda
The pastors identify a concerted effort by Donald Trump and his supporters to promote what they call 'Maga Christianity' – a version of the faith they describe as self-serving and commercialised, prioritising power over service. They point to a series of actions by the Trump administration that they say form a pattern. This includes the February announcement of a taskforce, led by former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi, aimed at rooting out 'anti-Christian bias'.
Further moves cited are Trump's September plans to protect prayer in schools and a subsequent memorandum that framed anti-Christian sentiment as a potential driver of terrorism. Pagitt and Walke contend this agenda uses religion to justify the oppression of immigrants, opposition to women's rights, and condemnation of the LGBTQ+ community, directly contradicting the biblical edict to 'love thy neighbour'.
Grassroots Mobilisation: From Oklahoma City to Minneapolis
The response, they argue, must be local and sustained. In Oklahoma City, efforts began in 2017 as a reaction to Trump's so-called 'Muslim ban'. Led in part by Reverend Lori Walke, a coalition started weekly vigils to support immigrants, braving all weathers and moving locations from churches to outside ICE offices to accompany undocumented people to appointments.
This year, with renewed attacks on immigrants, the group has reignited these vigils and begun immigrant-justice training sessions. These educate community members on ICE procedures, warrants, and the rights of both observers and detainees. The practical outcome has been significant: pastors and church members now regularly accompany individuals to immigration hearings, assist with paperwork, and offer moral and financial support.
In November, the Oklahoma coalition hand-delivered over 500 letters to Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator James Lankford, urging them to protect immigrant neighbours.
In Minneapolis, following a shooting at Annunciation Church that killed two children, Pastor Doug Pagitt's organisation Vote Common Good partnered with Moms Demand Action and other faith groups to demand a state ban on assault weapons. They took these demands directly to Governor Tim Walz, who subsequently announced a series of town halls on gun violence.
Finding Hope in Community Action
Despite the challenges, the pastors find hope in local organising. In Oklahoma, they highlight the work of Voices Organized in Civic Engagement (Voice) OKC, a multi-faith coalition running a '1,000 Conversations' campaign to build relational power through shared stories and values. They see this parish-level work as a vital model for national healing.
They also note continued faith-led protests in Chicago and outside Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention centre. While progress is not linear, Pagitt and Walke are convinced that local actions are the driving force for change. They call on others to join in promoting what they see as authentic Christian values, putting love before hate, and standing against divisive rhetoric from the ground up.
