A Unique Border Church Navigates Rising Nationalism
Golden Harvest Baptist Church in Stevensville, Ontario, continues to fly the Maple Leaf and the Stars and Stripes. Though Canadian, the church draws members from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. It is located near the Peace Bridge and is a spiritual home for Canadians married to Americans and cross-border commuters. Pastor Ryan King says the community doesn’t view the U.S. as adversarial, even amid rising nationalist sentiment.
Tariffs and Trade Tensions Stir Unease
President Donald Trump’s push to incorporate Canada into the U.S. and his trade war threats have sparked backlash in Canada. The country is seeing increased patriotism, boycotts of U.S. goods, and suspicion of those not deemed “Canadian enough.” While some Canadians remove U.S. flags, Golden Harvest chooses calm over reaction. However, impending tariffs set to begin on April 2 could hit the congregation economically, affecting goods, car manufacturing jobs, and even Sunday school materials.
Evangelical Ties Tested Across the Border
The Christian Reformed Church in North America, a binational denomination, is especially impacted. With 25% of its congregations in Canada, leaders like Al Postma note that digital sharing softens the blow, but long-term concerns remain. A pastoral letter from the church addressed the emotional weight of Trump’s comments on Canadian sovereignty and acknowledged the “brokenness” in the cross-border bond.
A Call to Respond with Grace
Canadian Christian leaders encourage a response grounded in faith rather than politics. Brian Stiller of the World Evangelical Alliance believes most Christians will maintain personal bonds despite national disputes. He urges believers to embody the gospel, even when tensions provoke anger. Pastor Martin Goode of Niagara Falls emphasizes seeing the moment as a test of character and faith.
Faith Amid Political Friction
As political discord challenges historical ties, churches like Golden Harvest and others across Canada are urging unity and Christlike responses. While economic and emotional tensions rise, evangelical communities strive to maintain their cross-border relationships rooted in shared faith.
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Canadian Evangelicals Brace for Trade War
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