When I began shifting my practice to a more faith-based focus in 2024, I don’t know if I was ready for the world of 2026. For many people the term ‘Christian’ has come to be associated with MAGA politics, judgment, shame, oppression, and cruelty. In professional spaces I’ve tended to be silent about political views to keep an open tent for believers and seekers of different backgrounds, denominations, and political spaces. I can’t stay silent anymore.
I am adamantly opposed to Christianity that aligns itself with Empire for political power.
I am adamantly opposed to supporting a convicted criminal, misogynist, racist, likely pedophile, who crushes the poor and vulnerable to enrich himself and secure power.
I am adamantly opposed to an administration that treats any group of people inhumanely, denying basic human rights and decency.
I believe that people of faith are to speak truth to power, standing up for those who can’t speak for themselves, no matter what party is in control at any given time.
I believe that people of faith can vote for any political party as no one party is perfectly aligned with the will of God.
Rather than run from the name of Christian, I’d like to tell you what it means to me. I want to live my life and conduct my practice according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe the heart of this is found in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus speaks about humility, mercy, gentleness, integrity, peacemaking and loving people who are different. He blesses the poor in spirit and honors those who grieve. He calls people toward compassion, reconciliation, and love of neighbor.
Recently, I was reminded of the words of Micah 6.8 and how I want it to shape my practice:
“What does the Lord require of you?
To act justly,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.”
To act justly means I care about the dignity and worth of every person who comes before me.
To love mercy means I believe healing happens in an environment of safety and compassion where it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance, not guilt, shame or coercion.
To walk humbly means that I walk beside you honoring where you have been and hope to go, trusting God to work in His ways, in His timing.
So this year, I’m going to claim the name of Christian and hope to bring healing to those who have been hurt or betrayed by that name.