Idaho and Christian Nationalism in the News
Recent reports from Idaho and around the country point toward alarming developments in the rise of white Christian Nationalism in our state.
Deseret News reports that the Idaho Family Policy Center, an influential Idaho-based group, “would not oppose declaring Idaho a “Christian state” and implementing religious tests for public office.” For their purposes, even members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would not qualify for public office though more than a quarter of Idaho’s population are members of the LDS faith.
“Mr. Conzatti, unfortunately, would not consider the majority faith in my legislative district to be Christian,” said Rep. Josh Wheeler, a Republican who represents the southeast corner of Idaho. “That right there shows you the danger of becoming too narrow in what you require in policy that brings faith into the public square.”
From Latah County to the White House….Should Women Vote?
This story was first published by NPR on August 9, 2025.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reposted and praised a video interview of a self-described Christian nationalist pastor whose church doesn’t believe women should be allowed to vote.
Doug Wilson, senior pastor of Christ Church in Idaho, said during the interview with CNN that, “Women are the kind of people that people come out of.”
Kudos Corner
Idaho Leaders United thanks Representative Britt Raybould for standing up for Idaho values. Read on for her recent Op-Ed rejecting political violence and supporting civil discourse in Idaho.