Special to United Methodist Insight | Nov. 13, 2025
A series of seminars on religious nationalism, with an emphasis on Hindu conflict as a case study, will be presented in northern California Nov. 20-23 with support from the California-Nevada Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The Religious Nationalisms Project (TRNP) of the New York State Council of Churches, in partnership with representatives from the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) in California, is organizing a series of seminars in the Bay Area on the theme of Religious Nationalisms, with a special focus on Hindutva as a central case study. These seminars will also explore Christian nationalism.
Seminar Schedule:
- Nov. 20, United Methodist Church of Roseville, Roseville, 6:00 to 8:30
- Nov. 21, First Church Berkeley, United Church of Christ, Berkeley, 6:30 to 9:00
- Nov. 22, Buena Vista United Methodist Church, Alamed, 12 to 3
- Nov. 22, Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in San Jose, 5:30 to 8:30
- Nov. 23 Christ United Methodist Church, Santa Rosa. 9:30 (worship) 11:00 to 1:30 (Program)
All events include a local meal.
The Rev. Nealk Christie, a United Methodist clergyman who is TRNP director, said the organization may add seminars in Silicon Valley, Lower East Bay, or San Francisco on Wednesday evening Nov. 19 or Sunday evening, Nov. 23.
"We have sent some invitations to faith communities in these locations," he said in an email. "We can also arrange smaller day time meetings on Thursday and Friday."
Each seminar lasts approximately 2-1/2 hours and includes:
- A fellowship meal.
- An introduction to the dynamics of Religious Nationalisms.
- Presentations on Hindu nationalism with specific illustrations to show it local impact
- Ample time for open interactive discussion and dialogue with participants.
- Concrete action steps congregations can take to address the harm caused by religious nationalisms at the local, national, and international levels.
Please click here to register: https://secure.everyaction.com/RGSn5SpDjkahqTkXBA9GCg2 *Please note that registration is required for all participants. Recordings will be made available afterward for those unable to attend the live session.