The American people face an existential threat to our democracy: white Christian nationalism. This advocacy, which supports the Trump administration’s crusade against people’s right to abortion, against transgender Americans, and advocates that America is a Christian country, must not stand.

The Federalist Papers, created by Madison, Jay and Hamilton, rejected the concept of a religious basis of government. Our Constitution echoed that fundamental. However, the behavior of this administration, including the rejection of transgender participation in the military, the rejection of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a concept and the insulting self-portrayal of a pope by President Trump on social media (mocking the Catholic population here and throughout the world), has been despicable.

Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics all have an equal place in our American society, as do straight, gay and transgender individuals.

We must recognize that prejudice is a poison that, if permitted or promoted, will come for each of us next.

Peter Shaw
Falmouth