An Invitation from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA:

Join us for a weekend with Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section and Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Discover how people of faith can authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism, using the legacy and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a guide. We are grateful to partner with United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith to offer this event. 

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL FEB. 7! 

Friday, March 7th, 6:00 p.m. – Authors’ Reception and Dinner

Meet Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section, and Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. A reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum will allow visitors to talk with both authors and tour the museum that was used as a hospital for wounded from both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg. Tickets include an opportunity for attendees to visit the building’s historic cupola!  The dinner will feature a brief talk on the unfinished work of Reconstruction by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, dean and vice president of student affairs at United Lutheran Seminary.

Saturday, March 8th – Lectures, Lunch, and Worship

10:00 a.m. — Amanda Tyler will give a talk on her new book How to End Christian Nationalism. This presentation defines what Christian nationalism is, explains how it works in our society (and beyond), interprets the movement in the light of the gospel, and offers suggestions for Christian response.

11:00 a.m. — Dr. Brandt Hale will give a public lecture on Bonhoeffer’s concept of “this-worldly” Christianity, also known as “religionless” Christianity. Dr. Brandt Hale will illustrate how Bonhoeffer’s conception evolves, and how ultimately, he believes that the Christian witness is most faithful and powerful when “viewed from below,” from the perspective of real people, especially the poor and oppressed.

Noon — Lunch — Order a boxed lunch when you register for the day or dine on your own in Gettysburg.

1:30 p.m. —  A panel discussion will follow lunch to help participants understand the ways in which Bonhoeffer’s theology counters the ways in which Christian Nationalist forces frame “faithful” participation in the public sphere. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of ways in which they can speak about their faith and public life and can take concrete action to counter the harmful narratives of Christian Nationalism.

2:45 p.m. — We end our time by coming together around the Word and Sacrament, reminding ourselves of our connection to one another in concrete community and as part of the communion of saints throughout time and space. We are sent nourished and filled, ready for the work we are called to do.