Broadview

Earlier this week, a conservative Christian organization called the Christian Impact Network hosted the Alberta Christian Leadership Summit. Billed as a direct dialogue between Christian leaders and the Alberta government, it featured a long list of provincial ministers, MPs and Premier Danielle Smith as keynote speaker. 

Notably, most media were barred from attending, one of the few exceptions being Christian-broadcaster Bridge City News, which reported that journalists were excluded “because politicians who are believers wanted an opportunity to speak freely without stirring up political controversy.” Separatist streamer Jason Lavagne was also in attendance, but as a guest — recording, streaming and photography was forbidden. 

Suspicious? I think so. 

Rev. Blaine Gregg, minister of Spirit of Hope United Church in Edmonton, attended the summit because he felt it was important for a progressive Christian perspective to be in the room. In a new piece for our website this week, he shares what he saw — and heard — behind closed doors. 

He writes that participants praised Smith’s government for restricting library books, limiting gender-affirming care for youth, banning “ideology” in schools and standing up to so-called “woke” liberal policies. 

“There was a clear sense among participants that this gathering represented the authoritative Christian voice in Alberta — that real Christians shared the same conservative priorities and opinions on societal issues and ethical values, and that aligning with the provincial government would translate those beliefs into policy,” he writes. You can read Rev. Blaine Gregg’s full recap of the event here. 

These beliefs feel like a warning that the Christian nationalism movement reshaping parts of the United States — and the endless culture wars that come with it — are already seeping across the border. But if the response from mainline faith leaders is any indication, many Albertans have no interest in following that path. 

More than 200 faith leaders across the province have since signed a statement protesting the event, highlighting the absence of smaller congregations, racialized communities and younger leaders. 

“We believe that faithful engagement with public life looks like listening widely, standing with those on the margins, and holding open the door — not closing it based on who can afford a ticket or who holds the right beliefs,” the letter reads. 

In what ways have you noticed Christian nationalism showing up in Canada? Share your thoughts with me, and I’ll feature a selection of responses in next week’s newsletter. You can email me at n.schmidt@broadview.org.