Preparing July 4th Worship: Resources to Resist Christian Nationalism
On Tuesday, June 9th, the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches presented a workshop for faith leaders across the country, to provide context and resources for planning worship on July 4th weekend that resist the pervasive narrative of Christian Nationalism. You can find resources collected from the presenters and participants below and watch the full workshop recording here.
Hymns:
“We Trust the One Who Brought to Life”
Text: Stephen M. Fearing (2026)
Tune: KINGSFOLD
Meter: CMD“In This Time of Great Reflection
Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2026)
Tune: RESTORATION
Meter: 8.7.8.7 w/ Refrain“This Is My Song”
Text: Lloyd Stone (v. 1 & 2), Georgia Harkness (v. 3)
Tune: FINLANDIA
Meter: 11.10.11.10.11.10“Lift Every Voice”
Text: James Weldon Johnson (1900)
Tune: LIFT EVERY VOIC
Meter: Irregular“Cuando El Pobre / When the Poor Ones”
Text: Jose Antonia Olivar
Tune: EL CAMINO
Meter: 12.11.12 w/ Refrain
Hymn Websites:
Stephen Fearing: www.stephenmichaelfearing.com
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette: www.carolynshymns.com
Amanda Udis-Kessler: https://queersacredmusic.com/
Unbound Voices: Hymns for National Days
Hymns that Resist Christian Nationalism webinar recording featuring Stephen Fearing and Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
Preaching resources:
Preaching Ideas, July 4th: Resisting Christian Nationalism
Preachers can counter Christian Nationalist ideology this July 4th with a sermon series grounded in the biblical witness of freedom as responsibility, compassionate resistance, and courageous dissent. Rev. Dr. Leah Schade offers sermon-series ideas for framing July 4th biblically, theologically, and ethically. This article contains three simple, adaptable sermon arcs based on the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for June 28 and July 5, the Sundays before and after America’s 250th Anniversary. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2026/06/preaching-ideas-july-4th-resisting-christian-nationalism/
10 Books to Address Christian Nationalism in Your Church
Need resources to address Christian nationalism? Rev. Dr. Leah Schade suggests these 10 books that offer pastors tools for preaching, teaching, and faithful resistance. This curated list will help you find the book that’s right for your church and ministry needs. Link to comparative chart included. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2026/06/10-books-to-address-christian-nationalism-in-your-church/
Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide by Rev. Dr. Leah Schade
Prophetic Preaching: A Pastoral Approachby Rev. Dr. Leonora Tubbs Tisdale
Liturgical Texts & Prayers:
A note on liturgical texts & prayers – Rev. Robert Franek
ELCA resources: PDF (download here), Word Doc (download here)
PCUSA: Call to Worship Website
https://sanctifiedart.org/ Worship resources including liturgy, visual art, and hymns
About Flags in Churches:
Angela Denker "Flags in Sanctuaries?"
Leah Schade “Flag Placement in Church: How to Have the Conversation”
Celebrating the 250th anniversary outside of Sunday Worship - LaVinnia Pierson
Resources from Illustrated Ministry
The most recent Advent and Lent churchwide themes that were developed with our current context and white Christian nationalism in mind…
Advent - The Will to Dream
Lent - The Work of Imagination
Full “Preparing for July 4th Worship: A Workshop to Resist Christian Nationalism” recording.
Please remember to credit the creators of these resources as you use them, and, while many of them are available for free, consider making a donation to the creators or their organizations in appreciation for their ministry.
