Save the Date: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium Nov. 14

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Growing in Faith Program will host a special symposium this fall exploring faithful Christian witness in a time of division, fear and rising nationalism.

The event, titled “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with both in-person and virtual participation options available. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming months.

The symposium’s featured speaker will be Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod. Bishop Wee is widely known throughout the ELCA for her thoughtful leadership, clear theological voice and commitment to justice, reconciliation and faithful public witness.

As followers of Jesus, Lutherans are called to place our ultimate trust not in political movements or national identity, but in Christ’s call to love God and neighbor. This symposium will invite participants into faithful conversation about Christian nationalism, discipleship, courage, community and hope in challenging times.

The Growing in Faith Program and Diakonia ministries continue to provide opportunities for learning, formation and theological reflection across the synod. This event is designed for rostered ministers, lay leaders and anyone seeking deeper grounding in Lutheran theology and public discipleship.

Please mark your calendars now and watch for additional information on registration, schedule details and participation opportunities later this year.

Faith | Justice | Love | Neighbor