Small-d democratic movements like ours aim to fill every seat, but White Christian Nationalists don’t need to. For their anti-democratic agenda to succeed, they only have to normalize their narrative that our country belongs more to some people than to others.
You heard from Nick ahead of the “Rededicate 250” prayer gathering in D.C. on Sunday.
Well, despite enjoying massive support from the federal government, big-time corporate sponsors, and even public resources, it was, by most accounts, a spectacular flop. Footage from throughout the day showed long stretches of empty chairs. Heck, even Trump skipped it to go golfing.
Still, “several thousand” people did show up in sweltering conditions. And while the crowd fell short of organizers’ ambitions and well behind secular events like the Reason Rally, the March For Science, and the No Kings protests (all of which American Atheists was proud to sponsor)… crowd size isn’t really the main story here.
The broader “Freedom 250” campaign driving these events has received taxpayer support. That means our resources are being used to promote a message that says America is fundamentally Christian and that we non-Christians don’t belong. That’s the real threat, and it isn’t one we can defeat simply by saying “no.”
(After all, what does “the consent of the governed” mean to a government that doesn’t understand consent?)
We have to offer something better: a more compelling story and a vision of the country that is big enough for everyone. That’s why American Atheists is once again bringing together activists, scholars, thinkers, and leaders for two exciting events focused on reclaiming our secular history and reimagining a more inclusive future.
Small-d democratic movements like ours aim to fill every seat, but White Christian Nationalists don’t need to. For their anti-democratic agenda to succeed, they only have to normalize their narrative that our country belongs more to some people than to others.
And judging from the extremists who graced the main stage on Sunday, they’re well on their way.
But while they’re busy mythmaking about our past, we’re looking ahead — at America Beyond 250 — to a future in which Americans of all faiths and none have a seat at the table.
Join us,
Sam McGuire Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy
PS: If you’re not able to make it to either of these upcoming events, please make a special donation TODAY in support of our grassroots organizing efforts, so we can plan even more gatherings like this in all 50 states!
About the Author
Samantha McGuire
Samantha McGuire is the Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy at American Atheists. Sam works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. She oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.
Samantha McGuire
Samantha McGuire is the Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy at American Atheists. Sam works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. She oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.
The Founders weren’t hostile to religion. They were opposed to tyranny, and they understood a government powerful enough to impose one creed is likewise powerful enough to punish anyone outside it. I’d argue Christian Nationalists also understand this but they actually like the idea of religious tyranny so long as they’re the ones in charge.
In a moment defined by the rise of White Christian Nationalism, sitting quietly isn’t an option. The stakes are far too high.
Nick Fish
Nick Fish
Join us in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 30!
Reclaim the Promise of Pluralism
We're hosting advocates, public thinkers, scholars, and community leaders to confront the threat of White Christian Nationalism — and to discuss how to build a better future for the next 250 years.
We're hosting advocates, public thinkers, scholars, and community leaders to confront the threat of White Christian Nationalism — and to discuss how to build a better future for the next 250 years.
