Christian leaders denounce Trump actions, warn of 'crisis of faith'

Hundreds of Christian leaders and scholars nationwide are urging more active resistance among the faithful to 'the injustices and anti-democratic danger sweeping across the nation.'

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of Christian leaders and scholars nationwide are denouncing President Donald Trump's administration and urging more active resistance among the faithful to 'the injustices and anti-democratic danger sweeping across the nation.' Their statement says Christians have a moral obligation to condemn the demonization of immigrants and attacks on civil rights and diversity, and that the nation is facing a profound moral, spiritual, and democratic emergency.

Why it matters

Christian leaders have increasingly spoken out against the policies of the Trump administration, particularly aimed at what many see as overly aggressive efforts to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. This statement ties into the Christian season of Lent, a period of repentance and resistance to temptation, and highlights the growing divide between the Trump administration's actions and the teachings of Jesus.

The details

The statement, titled 'A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy,' was organized by leaders of various Christian denominations, Black, Asian and Latino churches, and Christian universities and institutions. It says the nation is facing a 'cruel and oppressive government' and that 'silence is not neutrality - it is an active choice to permit harm.' The statement also criticizes 'Christian nationalism,' the idea that Christian people and biblical law should govern American life, which has seeped into the highest levels of government.

  • The letter's release coincides with the start of the Christian season of Lent, a period of repentance, self-reflection and resistance to temptation.
  • The statement was released on February 18, 2026.

The players

Adam Russell Taylor

President of Sojourners, a Christian social justice organization.

Rev. Jim Wallis

Founder and director of the Georgetown Center for Faith and Justice in Washington, D.C.

Barbara Williams-Skinner

President of Baltimore's Skinner Institute, a faith leadership development organization.

Rev. Cynthia Hale

Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Bishop Raymond Rivera

Of the Council of Holistic Christian Churches and Ministries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This moment is a defining test of Christian discipleship and civic responsibility. Democratic freedoms are being taken away and the gospel is being distorted. The vulnerable people Jesus told us to stand with and defend are being targeted and assaulted.”

— Rev. Jim Wallis, Founder and director of the Georgetown Center for Faith and Justice (Statement)

“People look at it as just a democratic crisis, but it's not. It's a crisis of faith.”

— Rev. Cynthia Hale, Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia (Statement)

“Their religious leaders have been so unconditionally supportive that it's almost branded this administration as being religious in the minds of many Americans, which is a distortion. They've confused proximity to political power with proximity to the power of God. They're not the same.”

— Bishop Raymond Rivera, Of the Council of Holistic Christian Churches and Ministries (Statement)

“That feels particularly offensive and egregious in light of the tactics we've seen them employ in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles and elsewhere. It's corrupting the Christian faith to advance its own political agenda.”

— Adam Russell Taylor, President of Sojourners (Statement)

The takeaway

This statement highlights the growing divide between the Trump administration's actions and the teachings of Jesus, as well as the concern among Christian leaders that their faith is being 'corrupted' and 'distorted' to advance a political agenda. It calls on Christians to engage and resist the 'injustices and anti-democratic danger' rather than remain silent, even in the face of fear and disruption to their ministries.