Michael Whatley to speak at faith conference critics call ‘Christian nationalist’
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- Senate candidate Michael Whatley to speak at Nehemiah Project pastor summit.
- Event draws criticism for promoting Christian nationalism in political spheres.
- Protest planned by Christians Against Christian Nationalism at Raleigh venue.
Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley will appear at a religious conference in Raleigh this week led by a group critics describe as “Christian nationalist.”
The Nehemiah Project pastor summit, which is planned for Monday and Tuesday, will also include speeches from U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan, state rep. Neal Jackson and former interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ed Martin.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are also expected to deliver a virtual address to the group.
The event is sponsored by the American Renewal Project, a group whose goal is to encourage evangelical pastors to run for elected office.
“If America is to be saved, Biblical values must be returned and espoused in the public square,” the group’s vision statement says.
Another group, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, plans to protest the event on Monday evening.
“Christians with a more inclusive, loving point of view want the world to know there’s room and love for everybody in many local churches,” the group’s press release said.
They describe Christian Nationalism as a movement that “seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and American’s constitutional democracy.”
The American Renewal Project has held events in North Carolina before, notably hosting former Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson at several luncheons throughout the state.
This week’s event will be held at the Crabtree Valley Marriott and is free for pastors to attend.
This story was originally published September 7, 2025 at 7:30 AM.
