Reflections on Faith and Patriotism from HTC Clergy

Each year on July 4, our country commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America — Independence Day. As United Methodists, “we affirm that both church and state have vital and distinct roles to play in relation to the larger society. Though the formal relationships between religious communities and governments vary from country to country, we generally affirm the independence and integrity of both institutions, and we advocate for a relationship of mutual respect in which neither institution seeks to dominate or unduly influence the other” (United Methodist Social Principles).

In honor of this patriotic holiday marking a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, three clergy from the Horizon Texas Conference — who have served, currently serve, or are preparing to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces — share their perspectives on the intersection of faith and patriotism.

“I was honored to serve as an active-duty chaplain for 30 years, including five combat deployments. My faith, calling, and deep love for my country fueled my desire to care for our military on behalf of our Church. To me, patriotism reflects a love and devotion for one’s country while nationalism seeks power and dominance by placing one nation above others, often resulting in great harm. My faith shapes how I treat others while tuning my heart to Jesus and his Kingdom, my home and ultimate allegiance. With all God’s children, I long for the day when there is no more war, and people from every nation and tribe worship God together.”

Rev. Dr. Pat McCain
Executive Pastor, First UMC Round Rock
Col., USAF (retired)

“I often find myself standing at the intersection of faith and patriotism. My first calling is to Christ, whose gospel calls us to love our neighbor, seek justice for the oppressed, and pursue peace for all people. At the same time, I serve those who have sworn an oath to defend this nation—often at great personal cost. Faith and patriotism are not the same, but when rightly held, they can shape and strengthen each other. My patriotism isn’t uncritical loyalty, but a deep, prayerful gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and a faithful hope that we can continue striving to live up to our highest ideals of “liberty and justice for all.” As a Christian, my faith compels me toward that work—because of who Jesus is and what He calls me to be.”

Rev. Molly Hayes
Associate Pastor, First UMC Arlington
Captain, USAF (Reserve Command)

“I keep in my office a photograph taken of the United States Capital during President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. The dome is only partially constructed. Cranes are moving pieces overhead and scaffolding surround it. This photograph reminds me in 1864 as now, the United States of America is not fully constructed. Progress on human rights and inclusion is hard won and must endure setbacks. I’ve often wrestled with the intersection between patriotism and Christian discipleship. I am proud of my Moravian ancestors who found refuge for religious expression in what became the United States. And I am proud of ancestors who escorted the Liberty Bell to safety from British invasion and who suffered the long winter at Valley Forge. I will be proud get to serve as a sailor in the Navy Reserve like my father and grandfather did in Vietnam and the South Pacific, but as a Chaplain caring for service members. And yet, I am just as proud of all those whose voices have been raised in protest and who have put their own lives on the line in non-violent direct action for us to live into a more free and more inclusive vision for our country. It is patriotic to protest, to vote, to conscientiously object to serving in the military, to participate in the democratic process, to defend due process under the law, to resist unlawful searches and seizures, and to otherwise embody the rights and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. As a disciple of Jesus, I participate in our democracy because Lincoln’s words resonate with my faith:

‘With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him (sic) who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to achieve and cherish a lasting peace among ourselves and with the world. To do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.’”

Rev. Andrew Fiser
Associate Director, Care & Healing and Diversity & Cultural Engagement, HTC
Candidate for Commissioning in the U.S. Navy Reserve