“Bad Faith” Documentary Discussion

UPDATE:  This discussion has been moved from June 28 to a date (TBD) in SEPTEMBER. 

This September, St. John's Faith & Democracy Ministry (FDM) will host a discussion of the documentary film Bad Faith, which chronicles the rise of the Christian Nationalist Movement, since it was formally launched over 50 years ago.  Led by the Rev. Anne Derse, St. John's Deacon and Minister for Community Engagement, it will be a hybrid discussion, held in-person in the Parish Hall as well as online at bit.ly/STJNFaith.  

► Stay tuned for more details.

Just recently, top Trump Administration officials, Republican lawmakers and prominent evangelical Christian leaders gathered on the National Mall for a prayer rally celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.  The event—called “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving"—drew thousands for worship, music, speeches, and prayer focused on reaffirming the United States as a Christian nation and “one nation under God." (MS NOW)

This tax-payer-funded event has drawn broad criticism for blurring the lines between Church and State.  As stated by Reverend Adam Russell Taylor, who leads the Christian organization Sojourners, “We are deeply concerned that what is really being rededicated is a nation to a very narrow and ideological part of the Christian Faith that betrays our nation’s fundamental commitment to religious freedom.”  (The Guardian, March 17, 2026)

We hope that you will take the time to watch Bad Faith and participate in this timely discussion on the rise of Christian Nationalism and what the response should be from faith communities like ours at St. John’s. 

Of note, a second great documentary on the Christian Nationalist Movement is “God and Country”, based on Katherine Stewart’s earlier research and book The Power Worshippers (2020).   You may recall that Ms. Stewart spoke at St. John’s last November about her most recent book on Christian Nationalism, Money, Lies and God.