Clergy, parishioners march to Houdini to warn of rising authoritarianism, Christian nationalism
Palm Sunday Path was initiated by Isaiah, a multiracial, multifaith community in Minnesota in response to ICE actions in Minneapolis. Mainline churches in 16 states, including across Wisconsin, participated on Sunday.
Nearly 500 people from eleven area faith communities gathered on Sunday at Houdini Plaza in Appleton to voice their concerns over what they see as rising white Christian nationalism and authoritarianism. Many of those on hand marched to Houdini from their respective churches.
Palm Sunday Path featured speakers, prayers, community singing, and special music by Karma’s Mailbox.
Rev. Tauna Roth, of Immanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA of Fremont, opened the event by reminding those on hand of Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey.
“He came into town, and he was surrounded by a crowd of people, much like this crowd today, a crowd of people waving palm branches and shouting, Hosanna,” said Roth. “Today, we are that crowd. We come together as a community of people to advocate for those who are being abused in our communities and across this country.”
The prayer was led by Rev. Rebecca Henry of First United Methodist Church in Neenah. As she led the Lament with prayers for immigrants, farmers, political leaders, and all those impacted by unjust policies, the crowd waved their palms and responded with “We cry out Hosanna. Save us.”
“We're here to show each other that we're not alone. That our neighbors who are being threatened by unjust policies or fear or violence are not alone either,” said Rev. Mike Goodwin of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Appleton. “And I know that there were maybe a few more people gathered here yesterday for No Kings (the nationwide protest of the Trump administration). I'll tell you another secret. We Christians already know there are no kings but Jesus.”
Photos by Richard Montano
Photos by Richard Montano
Goodwin shared his concerns about Christian Nationalism and the current administration’s attempt to divide Americans by fear.
“The truth of it all is our government and this administration want us to be afraid. Fear isolates us from each other, and the truth is that isolation is a precondition for an authoritarian government. They need us to be separated from each other, to doubt that we have any kind of power,” said Goodwin. “But Scripture tells us that love casts out fear, so let us love our neighbors by telling the truth about the injustice and dehumanization we see.”
Photos by Carol Lenz
He called for accountability from our leaders and asked for healing and forgiveness.
The Palm Sunday Path rally ended with a Call to Action. Nancy Jones of Prince of Peace ELCA, encouraged participants to get involved in their faith's advocacy groups, support community efforts for the needy, and communicate with elected leaders on the urgent issues of SNAP cuts and immigration deportation.
“What a beautiful example of what democracy looks like with you all here exercising your First Amendment rights: Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Assemble, and Freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances,” said Jones.
Rev. Rebecca Henry of First United Methodist Church in Neenah leads a prayer at the Palm Sunday Path rally in Appleton on March 29.
Jones concluded by urging people to vote in the spring and fall midterm elections.
“Our rights are gifts we currently have -- and our rights have power if they are used,” she said.
Palm Sunday Path was initiated by Isaiah, a multiracial, multifaith community in Minnesota in response to ICE actions in Minneapolis. Mainline churches in 16 states, including across Wisconsin, participated on Sunday.
Clergy, parishioners march to Houdini to warn of rising authoritarianism, Christian nationalism © 2026 by Carol Lenz is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
