Antioch Declaration
The Antioch Declaration is a 2024 theological statement issued by a group of confessionally Reformed, Lutheran, and evangelical Christian leaders.[1] It addresses what its authors describe as racial ideologies threatening the unity and witness of the Church, particularly reactionary or ethnonationalist views that introduce "anti-gospel racial categories."
Background and Purpose
Named after the biblical city of Antioch—where disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26)—the declaration draws an explicit parallel to the Apostle Paul's public confrontation of Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11). In that incident, Paul opposed Peter for compromising the gospel by yielding to ethnic or racial barriers between Jewish and Gentile believers. The document's authors argue that a similar compromise is occurring today in some Christian circles, especially on the fringes of Reformed, Lutheran, and evangelical communities, amid cultural disillusionment with secularism.
Released in November 2024, the declaration emerged in response to rising concerns over antisemitism, kinism (a form of Christian ethnonationalism emphasizing racial or ethnic separation), and related ideologies gaining traction among younger, "red-pilled" Christians disillusioned by post-World War II cultural shifts, Enlightenment-rooted secularism, and perceived elite narratives. It positions itself as a necessary, prayerful stand to protect the gospel from being subordinated to socio-political or racial frameworks, while rejecting both progressive identity politics and reactionary extremes.
Core Content
The declaration consists of a preamble followed by a series of **affirmations and denials**. Key themes include:
- **Opposition to racial ideologies**: It denies that the gospel can be subjected to ethnic barriers or identity politics and affirms the unity of believers in Christ across all nations and peoples (citing passages like Ephesians 2:11-21 and Revelation 7:9-10). - **Rejection of antisemitism and scapegoating**: It explicitly denies conspiracy theories targeting Jews as uniquely malevolent and affirms God's providential role for the Jewish people, their need for salvation in Christ alone (Romans 11), and the biblical prohibition against scapegoating (with Christ as the ultimate sin-bearer). - **Critique of secularism and history**: It affirms the bankruptcy of modern secular (neo-pagan) projects while denying attempts to harmonize Nazi or overtly racial theories with Christianity. It also cautions against questioning certain historical events (such as the Holocaust) in ways that undermine historical truth or fuel hatred. - **Biblical priorities**: It upholds the supremacy of Christ's Kingdom over blood-and-soil loyalties, the ordination of nations by God (Acts 17:26), and the duty of pastors to confront "wolves" preying on the flock. National or ethnic pride is allowed in principle, but exclusionary prejudice in the Church is forbidden.
The tone is firm and pastoral, emphasizing that silence is not an option when the gospel is at stake, while calling for repentance that avoids self-loathing.
Authorship and Signatories
The statement was collaboratively developed by prominent figures including: - Rev. Dr. Joseph Boot (Ezra Institute) - Rev. Jeff Durbin and James White (Apologia Church) - Rev. Dr. Andrew Sandlin (Center for Cultural Leadership) - Rev. Douglas Wilson (Christ Church, Moscow, ID) - Rev. Tobias Riemenschneider
Additional signers include leaders from G3 Ministries, Canon Press, and various churches and organizations. The site invites pastors, church representatives, and individuals to add their names in support.
Reception
The declaration has sparked significant discussion and some controversy within conservative Christian and Reformed circles. Supporters view it as a timely defense of gospel unity against fringe ideologies. Critics argue it oversimplifies issues, uses insider-coded language, or fails to adequately address broader cultural or political concerns. It has been linked to internal debates sometimes called "brother wars" over Christian nationalism, pastoral responses to disillusioned youth, and how to engage post-secular cultural shifts.
The full text, signers list, and option to sign are available at the official site: https://antiochdeclaration.com. As with many such statements, it reflects ongoing tensions in evangelical theology regarding race, nation, culture, and the mission of the Church in a secular age.
