Fight Against Maga Christianity: Local Faith Movements Resist Exclusionary Politics
The movement promoting Maga Christianity, characterized as a self-serving and commercialized form of the Christian faith opposing immigrants, women's rights, and LGBTQ people, has seen a significant global impact. This includes violent incidents such as killings in Nigeria and threats of border invasions.
Three actions by Donald Trump are highlighted as advancing this agenda: a February task force led by Pam Bondi aimed at rooting out anti-Christian bias; plans announced in September to protect prayer in schools; and a memorandum associating anti-Christianity with terrorism.
Local faith leaders contend that congregations remain the strongest asset for resisting this movement. These communities provide places for gathering, neighbor support, and the practice of inclusive Christian values.
In Oklahoma City, activism began in 2017 as part of a sanctuary movement, evolving into weekly vigils, protests outside ICE and USCIS offices, immigrant-justice trainings, and a November letter campaign delivering over 500 messages to Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator James Lankford. Voices OKC and the 1,000 Conversation campaign are noted as models for building relational power among faith institutions and communities.
In Minneapolis, following the Annunciation Church shooting, groups such as Vote Common Good advocated for bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, delivering petitions to Governor Tim Walz who planned gun-violence town halls.
Protests also took place in Chicago, where the National Guard was present, and in Florida, where faith groups protested outside Alligator Alcatraz demanding its closure.
The authors emphasize that progress in these struggles is not linear and call for greater participation in local efforts to defend immigrant neighbors, reduce gun violence, and uphold inclusive Christian values.
