Preparing July 4th Worship:
Resources to Resist Christian Nationalism
On June 9, 2026, the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches co-presented a workshop for faith leaders across the country — providing context and resources for planning worship on July 4th weekend that resist the pervasive narrative of Christian Nationalism.
Hymns
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"We Trust the One Who Brought to Life" Text: Stephen M. Fearing (2026) · Tune: KINGSFOLD · Meter: CMD
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"In This Time of Great Reflection" Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2026) · Tune: RESTORATION · Meter: 8.7.8.7 w/ Refrain
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"This Is My Song" Text: Lloyd Stone (v. 1&2), Georgia Harkness (v. 3) · Tune: FINLANDIA · Meter: 11.10.11.10.11.10
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"Lift Every Voice" Text: James Weldon Johnson (1900) · Tune: LIFT EVERY VOICE · Meter: Irregular
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"Cuando El Pobre / When the Poor Ones" Text: Jose Antonio Olivar · Tune: EL CAMINO · Meter: 12.11.12 w/ Refrain
Hymn Websites
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Stephen M. Fearing stephenmichaelfearing.com
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Carolyn Winfrey Gillette carolynshymns.com
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Amanda Udis-Kessler — Queer Sacred Music queersacredmusic.com
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Unbound Voices — Hymns for National Days unboundvoices.substack.com
Preaching Resources
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Preaching Ideas, July 4th: Resisting Christian Nationalism Rev. Dr. Leah Schade — Three adaptable sermon arcs based on the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for June 28 & July 5.
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10 Books to Address Christian Nationalism in Your Church Rev. Dr. Leah Schade — A curated list to help you find the right book for your church's preaching, teaching, and faithful resistance.
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Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide Book by Rev. Dr. Leah Schade
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Prophetic Preaching: A Pastoral Approach Book by Rev. Dr. Leonora Tubbs Tisdale
Liturgical Texts & Prayers
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A Note on Liturgical Texts & Prayers Rev. Robert Franek — Background guidance for preachers and worship planners
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ELCA Worship Resources — U.S. Semiquincentennial
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PCUSA — Call to Worship: Resources for July 5, 2026 calltoworshipjournal.org
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Sanctified Art Worship resources including liturgy, visual art, and hymns
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Celebrating the 250th Anniversary Outside of Sunday Worship LaVinnia Pierson — Ideas for community engagement beyond the Sunday service
About Flags in Churches
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"Flags in Sanctuaries?" Angela Denker
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"Flag Placement in Church: How to Have the Conversation" Rev. Dr. Leah Schade
Resources from Illustrated Ministry
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Fourth of July Pastoral Care Package Illustrated Ministry
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Advent: The Will to Dream Developed with white Christian nationalism in mind
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Lent: The Work of Imagination Developed with white Christian nationalism in mind
When the Christian Church is co-opted to advance policies of violence and oppression, clergy must not be silent.
We must speak out and resist.
The Clergy Emergency League (CEL) is a grassroots network of clergy speaking with a unified voice against the abuses of power at the federal, state, and local levels. We repudiate the fusion of politics with radical, right-wing, fundamentalist Christianity. And we denounce the growing power of racist white nationalism and a militarized police state.
We provide support, accountability, resources, and networking for clergy to prophetically minister in their congregations and the public square in this time of political upheaval, social unrest, and partisan division.
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