Civitans Honor Local Clergy at Appreciation Event

Retired Bishop Tim Smith delivers keynote address on Christian Nationalism

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Civitan Club of Salisbury hosted 12 local pastors on February 5th to celebrate Clergy Appreciation Day. Retired Bishop Tim Smith of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was the guest speaker, addressing the topic of Christian Nationalism and its promotion of white supremacy and political violence.

Why it matters

The annual Clergy Appreciation event organized by Civitan clubs recognizes the important role that local clergy play in the community. Bishop Smith's remarks on Christian Nationalism also highlight the ongoing debate within religious circles about the appropriate relationship between Christian faith and American politics.

The details

During the event, Bishop Smith spoke about Christian Nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities. He warned that Christian Nationalism promotes white supremacy and political violence, and he quoted German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer in saying that 'Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.' Other clergy in attendance included Rev. Jim Matthews, Rev. Hannah Ostlund, Rev. Lara Musser Gritter, and several others.

  • The Civitan Club of Salisbury hosted the Clergy Appreciation event on February 5, 2026.
  • The event commemorated 'The Four Chaplains' who died rescuing civilians and military personnel when the S.S. Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943.

The players

Tim Smith

Retired Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who delivered the keynote address on Christian Nationalism.

Civitan Club of Salisbury

A local community service organization that hosted the annual Clergy Appreciation event.

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What they’re saying

“'Christian Nationalism promotes white supremacy and political violence,'”

— Tim Smith, Retired Bishop, North Carolina Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

“'Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.'”

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Theologian

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing debate within religious circles about the appropriate relationship between Christian faith and American politics, with Bishop Smith warning against the dangers of Christian Nationalism. The annual Clergy Appreciation event organized by Civitan clubs serves as an important way for the local community to show support and gratitude for the work of area clergy.