Faithful in Times of Turmoil: Responses to Conflicts, War, and Nationalism in Europe

About the Conference

The 2026 FEET conference aims at equipping Christians to think clearly and act wisely in a turbulent time for our continent. Through biblical, historical, and theological reflection, participants explore war, peace, peoplehood and nationhood, and the tensions of living with multiple allegiances—to Christ, church, country, people, and family. The conference offers practical theological tools to help church leaders and believers live faithfully amid political pressure, conflict, and uncertainty.

Key Questions and Topics

• How should Christians understand peoplehood and nationhood theologically in light of Scripture, history, and contemporary Europe?
• In what ways do biblical perspectives affirm, relativise, or transform national identity?
• How have modern ideas of the nation and of nationalism developed historically and how have Christian traditions responded to them?
• What does it mean for Christians to live as citizens of a nation and members of the Kingdom of God?
• How should Christian allegiance to Christ relate to national, political, and cultural loyalties?
• How do contemporary political dynamics shape Christian engagement with the nation?
• How can the church respond faithfully to current societal pressures, conflicts, and moral crises?
• What responsibilities do Christians bear toward the nation in times of war, violence, and geopolitical instability?
• How can churches use theology to help believers live faithfully in today’s complex political and national contexts?
• How to pray for our country, our nation?

Main papers

Introduction (30 minutes): Framing the Conference
Speaker: Evert van de Poll

This paper introduces the aims of the conference, defines key terms such as nation, nationhood, and nationalism, and identifies the central theological and ethical questions involved. It explains why nationhood is a timely and pressing issue for Christian reflection today.

First Main Paper: Biblical Perspectives on Nationhood
Speaker: Roland Deines

This paper examines biblical understandings of nationhood, with a focus on the New Testament. It presents a range of interpretive perspectives in Scripture, highlighting key tensions and continuities, and provides an exegetical foundation for the conference discussions.

Second Main Paper: Nationalism and Nationhood in Historical Perspective
Speaker: Pavel Hošek

This paper traces the historical development of nationalism and modern nationhood and explores how Christians, especially within evangelical traditions, have engaged with these ideas. It offers historical insight into assumptions that continue to shape contemporary views.

Third Paper: A Typology of Contemporary Christian Approaches
Speaker: Michael Agerbo Mørch

This paper aims at developing a typology of the main ways Christians today relate to nationhood and political life. By identifying and evaluating these approaches, it aims to clarify their underlying theological commitments and to provide tools for faithful engagement in present contexts.

Fourth Paper: Christian Responsibility toward the Nation in Times of Conflict
Speaker: Roman Soloviy

This paper addresses Christian responsibility toward the nation, particularly in situations of war and conflict. It examines questions of loyalty and moral duty when national commitments may come into tension with faith in Christ.