Draft:Operation Reconquista

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Operation Reconquista
FormationJanuary 2023
FounderRedeemed Zoomer
TypeReligious movement
PurposePromote theological conservatism in mainline Protestant denominations
Location
MethodGrassroots activism, online engagement, denominational advocacy
Websitehttps://www.operationreconquista.com

Operation Reconquista is a grassroots movement launched in January 2023 to promote theological conservatism within Mainline Protestant denominations in the United States. Initiated by Richard Ackerman, known as Redeemed Zoomer, it encourages conservative Christians to remain in or join mainline denominations to influence their theological direction, rather than leaving for evangelical or non-denominational churches. It targets seven denominations, often termed the "Seven Sisters": the PCUSA, UMC, TEC, ELCA, UCC, ABCUSA, and RCA. The movement addresses the theological liberalism that has characterized these denominations since the early 20th century, aiming to restore adherence to traditional Christian doctrines.[1][2][3]

Background

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Shifts in Mainline Protestantism

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Since the early 20th century, theological liberalism, influenced by modernist theology and higher biblical criticism, led to a shift away from traditional doctrines in Mainline Protestantism.[4] In the 1960s, the civil rights movement contributed to many churches to begin to be involved politically. This caused increased support, not just for civil rights, but the Nuclear Freeze movement, and the Vietnam War protests. However, churches were beginning to loose members of the congregation.[5] Gay rights was a central liberal point, with the UCC beginning to ordain LGBTQ+ ministers in 1972.[6] The ELCA began to ordain females beginning in 1970.[7]

To respond to these liberal changes, many conservative congregations began to split off. The PCA split from the PCUS in 1973 for liberal theological reasons.[8] Even after the merger of the PCUS and UPCUSA in 1983, the newly formed PCA did not merge. They wanted to stay with the doctrinal standards of the historical Presbyterian confessions.[9]

Overtime, the PCUSA, the result of the aforementioned merger, only became more liberal. Female ordination began in 1965, and the ordination of members of the LGBTQ+ community started in 2011.[10][11] Continued, while after the start of Operation Reconquista, the controversial Olympia Overture was passed. This forced presbyteries to ask regarding an individuals beliefs about trans-gender issues during the process of ordination.[12]

Reconquista Movement

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Operation Reconquista is a lay-led movement of Christians within mainline Protestant denominations, initiated on January 25, 2023, by Richard Ackerman, a Gen Z college student and PCUSA member known as Redeemed Zoomer. It seeks to promote theological conservatism, emphasizing adherence to the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed, which affirm doctrines such as the Virgin Birth, the divinity and humanity of Jesus, His atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and second coming, alongside the Five Solas of the Reformation (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria).[13] The movement argues that mainline churches retain significant cultural and institutional assets, such as historic buildings, endowments, and connections to institutions like Harvard and Yale which provide unique opportunities to influence American culture.[14][15]

The movement emerged from Ackerman’s online advocacy for Reformed theology and critique of theological liberalism, shared through his YouTube channel.[16][17] Its name, inspired by the historical Reconquista of medieval Spain (711–1492), symbolizes a non-violent effort to restore traditional theology, drawing parallels to biblical narratives like the return of exiles in Ezra and Nehemiah. [18][19] It argues that staying within mainline denominations allows conservatives to influence governance and preserve assets, unlike schisms that cede resources to liberal majorities. [20] Initially organized through a Discord server with over 1,200 members, it established denominational chapters for each of the seven mainline denominations. [21] In 2024, the PCUSA chapter partnered with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, hosting a conference attended by 150 clergy and laity to discuss strategies for theological renewal.[22][23]

Goals

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Operation Reconquista aims to promote theological conservatism by encouraging young Christians to engage with mainline denominations, emphasizing doctrines like the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, and Five Solas (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria). It seeks to strengthen conservative congregations, encourage Generation Z leadership in roles such as elders or clergy, and influence denominational governance to preserve institutional assets for theological renewal. The movement argues that traditional theology fosters commitment, citing 2% annual growth in conservative Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations since 2015.[24][25][26][27]

Grassroots Leadership

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Operation Reconquista engages supporters through a Discord server, YouTube videos translated into Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French, and Instagram and TikTok outreach, targeting Generation Z and Millennials. It has established chapters for each denomination: Episcopal Fellowship for Renewal, Young Methodists for Tradition, SOLA (Evangelical Lutheran), Reformed Revivalists in America, Presbyterians for the Kingdom, American Baptists for Christ, and Puritans of the UCC. These chapters, with elected leadership, have mobilized over 2,000 members across 30 states by mid-2024.[28][29]

With 52% of Presbyterian Church (USA) churches lacking pastors, the movement encourages young members to serve as Sunday school teachers, elders, or lay preachers, supported by clergy-led mentorship programs. Online training modules on Reformed theology, church governance, and advocacy skills have been completed by over 500 participants.[30][31] The movement’s international outreach includes the Anglican Church of Canada, Church of England, and Uniting Church in Australia, with translations facilitating engagement with Global South churches. Virtual town halls, attended by up to 300 members, discuss strategies and foster community.[32][28]

Reformation Day Protests

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On October 31, 2023, approximately 1,200 participants, primarily Generation Z with some Millennials, conducted Reformation Day protests across 42 U.S. states. Coordinated via a Discord server with over 1,500 members, they posted tailored “95 Theses” on church doors of the seven mainline denominations, with the American Baptist Churches USA chapter using a “9.5 Theses.” Inspired by Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses, the documents called for renewed emphasis on the Resurrection of Jesus, biblical authority, and traditional doctrines like the Virgin Birth of Jesus, while rejecting critical theory in theology.[26][33] Organizers mailed or emailed theses to 6,000 churches, reaching an estimated 85% of mainline congregations.[34]

The protests aimed to minimize disruption, with participants operating in small groups. Denominational responses varied: the Presbyterian Church (USA) reaffirmed inclusivity, the United Church of Christ reported minimal impact but hosted dialogue sessions, and The Episcopal Church noted vandalism concerns at 10 parishes, though no legal action followed.[35][36] Media coverage by The Christian Post and Religion Unplugged highlighted the protests’ scale, though some questioned their lasting influence.[35][34]

Legislative Advocacy

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In June 2024, the Presbyterian Church (USA) chapter influenced the 226th General Assembly to revise amendment G-2.0104 in the Book of Order, easing requirements for ordination candidates to affirm progressive policies, such as those related to LGBTQ+ clergy and transgender issues. This was driven by 50 trained young delegates, representing 10% of voting members, skilled in parliamentary procedure.[30][37][38] The United Methodist Church chapter supported conservative resolutions at 2024 regional conferences, opposing disaffiliation trends that saw over 7,500 congregations leave since 2019 over disputes on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy.[39]

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America chapter proposed amendments at synod assemblies in 2024 to limit progressive liturgical changes, but most were defeated due to progressive majorities.[36] The movement partnered with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, hosting a February 2024 conference with 180 attendees to strategize renewal, followed by similar events with Wesley Theological Seminary and Luther Seminary.[30][29] Plans for 2025 include targeting the Reformed Church in America’s General Synod to propose conservative doctrinal statements.[31]

Criticisms

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Operation Reconquista faces scrutiny over its name, feasibility, methods, and organizational structure. The term “Reconquista,” referencing the medieval Spanish campaign (711–1492), is criticized for suggesting militancy or exclusion, potentially alienating progressive members.[26][28][40] Progressive clergy compare it to schisms like the Presbyterian Church in America’s 1973 split or the United Methodist Church’s disaffiliations, warning of deepened divisions.[39][41] Some, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, suggest its rhetoric could align with Christian nationalism, though the movement denies this, emphasizing spiritual goals.[42]

Critics question its feasibility, citing entrenched liberal leadership and the limited success of efforts like the Confessing Movement.[43][44] Scholars argue its appeal may reflect nostalgia for traditional liturgy and Gothic church buildings rather than theological depth.[26][45] Show in sidebar In May 2024, four The Episcopal Church priests faced disciplinary actions for participating in the Discord server, citing safeguarding concerns over minors (ages 15 and up) in unmoderated spaces. An investigation by The Living Church found no misconduct, but it sparked debate about online governance.[29][46] Critics also highlight the movement’s reliance on Redeemed Zoomer’s influence and its focus on Generation Z, which may overlook older congregants, risking generational divides.[41][39]

The movement responds by defending its name as a spiritual metaphor, citing Ephesians 6:12, and emphasizing inclusivity through engagement with Global South churches. It has implemented clergy mentorship, Discord moderation, and hybrid events to address accountability and generational concerns, while rejecting manosphere tactics.[26][47]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kate Shellnutt, "A Gen Z Reformer Takes on Mainline Churches," Christianity Today, November 8, 2023, <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/november-web-only/redeemed-zoomer-mainline-reformation-reconquista.html">https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/november-web-only/redeemed-zoomer-mainline-reformation-reconquista.html</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  2. ^ Michelle Boorstein, "Operation Reconquista Targets Mainline Churches," Baptist News Global, November 13, 2023, <a href="https://baptistnews.com/article/operation-reconquista-aims-to-return-mainline-churches-to-orthodoxy/">https://baptistnews.com/article/operation-reconquista-aims-to-return-mainline-churches-to-orthodoxy/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  3. ^ John Lomperis, "Reconquista: A Youth-Driven Movement?," World Magazine, April 5, 2024, <a href="https://wng.org/articles/reconquista-youth-driven-movement">https://wng.org/articles/reconquista-youth-driven-movement</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  4. ^ Mead, Walter Russell (2008-03-01). "Born Again". The Atlantic. ISSN 2151-9463. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  5. ^ "RELIGION IN THE NEWS Spring 2003". www3.trincoll.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  6. ^ "Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: United Church of Christ". HRC. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  7. ^ "Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Evangelical Lutheran Church in…". HRC. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  8. ^ Carter, Joe (2017-06-16). "How to Tell the Difference Between the PCA and PCUSA". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  9. ^ pcannet. "History". pcanet.org. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  10. ^ PC(USA). "Women's Ministry | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)". pcusa.org. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  11. ^ Groff, Zachary (2023-02-24). "Mainline Presbyterianism & the LGBTQ Movement". Presbyterian Polity. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  12. ^ PC(USA). "After significant debate, Assembly approves both parts of split 'Olympia Overture' | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)". pcusa.org. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
  13. ^ Gregory A. Smith, "Theological Conservatism in Mainline Churches," The Christian Century, February 14, 2024, <a href="https://www.christiancentury.org/article/theological-conservatism-mainline-churches">https://www.christiancentury.org/article/theological-conservatism-mainline-churches</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  14. ^ Jeffrey Walton, "Mainline Churches and Cultural Capital," Juicy Ecumenism, April 5, 2024, <a href="https://juicyecumenism.com/2024/04/05/mainline-churches-cultural-capital/">https://juicyecumenism.com/2024/04/05/mainline-churches-cultural-capital/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  15. ^ Alicia McCarty, "Gen Z and the Future of Mainline Protestantism," The Living Church, June 10, 2024, <a href="https://livingchurch.org/2024/06/10/gen-z-future-mainline-protestantism/">https://livingchurch.org/2024/06/10/gen-z-future-mainline-protestantism/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  16. ^ Kate Shellnutt, "A Gen Z Reformer Takes on Mainline Churches," Christianity Today, November 8, 2023, <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/november-web-only/redeemed-zoomer-mainline-reformation-reconquista.html">https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/november-web-only/redeemed-zoomer-mainline-reformation-reconquista.html</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  17. ^ John Lomperis, "Reconquista: A Youth-Driven Movement?," World Magazine, April 5, 2024, <a href="https://wng.org/articles/reconquista-youth-driven-movement">https://wng.org/articles/reconquista-youth-driven-movement</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  18. ^ John Hartford, "Reconquista’s Historical Inspiration," Church Times, October 5, 2024, <a href="https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/10/5/reconquista-historical-inspiration">https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/10/5/reconquista-historical-inspiration</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  19. ^ Tom Gjelten, "Operation Reconquista: A New Protestant Renewal?," Religion Unplugged, December 1, 2023, <a href="https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/12/01/operation-reconquista-new-protestant-renewal">https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/12/01/operation-reconquista-new-protestant-renewal</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  20. ^ Mark Tooley, "Can Mainline Protestantism Be Reconquered?," Juicy Ecumenism, March 21, 2024, <a href="https://juicyecumenism.com/2024/03/21/reconquering-mainline-protestantism/">https://juicyecumenism.com/2024/03/21/reconquering-mainline-protestantism/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  21. ^ Jonathan Remy, "Exploring Reconquista with Redeemed Zoomer," Lutheran Answers, January 23, 2025, <a href="https://lutherananswers.com/presbyterianism-reconquista-redeemed-zoomer">https://lutherananswers.com/presbyterianism-reconquista-redeemed-zoomer</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  22. ^ Jack Jenkins, "Reconquista Gains Traction in PCUSA," Religion News Service, April 10, 2024, <a href="https://religionnews.com/2024/04/10/reconquista-gains-traction-in-pcusa/">https://religionnews.com/2024/04/10/reconquista-gains-traction-in-pcusa/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  23. ^ Leslie Scanlon, "PCUSA General Assembly 2024: Key Decisions," The Presbyterian Outlook, July 10, 2024, <a href="https://pres-outlook.org/2024/07/pcusa-general-assembly-2024-key-decisions/">https://pres-outlook.org/2024/07/pcusa-general-assembly-2024-key-decisions/</a>, accessed July 27, 2025.
  24. ^ Smith, Gregory A. "Theological Conservatism in Mainline Churches." The Christian Century, February 14, 2024. https://www.christiancentury.org/article/features/theological-conservatism-mainline-churches. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  25. ^ Gryboski, Michael. "Conservative PCUSA Churches Show Growth." The Christian Post, August 5, 2022. https://www.christianpost.com/news/conservative-pcusa-churches-show-growth.html. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  26. ^ a b c d e Shellnutt, Kate (November 8, 2023). "A Gen Z Reformer Takes on Mainline Churches". Christianity Today. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  27. ^ Tooley, Mark. "Can Mainline Protestantism Be Reconquered?" Juicy Ecumenism, March 21, 2024. https://juicyecumenism.com/2024/03/21/can-mainline-protestantism-be-reconquered/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  28. ^ a b c Boorstein, Michelle (November 13, 2023). "Operation Reconquista Targets Mainline Churches". Baptist News Global. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  29. ^ a b c McCarty, Alicia. "Gen Z and the Future of Mainline Protestantism." The Living Church, June 10, 2024. https://www.livingchurch.org/news/gen-z-and-the-future-of-mainline-protestantism/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  30. ^ a b c Jenkins, Jack (April 10, 2024). "Reconquista Gains Traction in PCUSA". Religion News Service. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  31. ^ a b Remy, Jonathan. "Exploring Reconquista with Redeemed Zoomer." Lutheran Answers, January 23, 2025. https://lutherananswers.com/presbyterianism-reconquista-redeemed-zoomer/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  32. ^ Kidd, Joelle. "Gen Z Activism in Anglican Churches." Anglican Journal, May 20, 2024. https://www.anglicanjournal.com/gen-z-activism-in-anglican-churches/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  33. ^ Walton, Jeff. "Reformation Day Protest Gains Momentum." Juicy Ecumenism, November 15, 2023. https://juicyecumenism.com/2023/11/15/reformation-day-protest-gains-momentum/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  34. ^ a b Gjelten, Tom. "Operation Reconquista: A New Protestant Renewal?" Religion Unplugged, December 1, 2023. https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/12/01/operation-reconquista-a-new-protestant-renewal/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  35. ^ a b Gryboski, Michael. "Mainline Churches Respond to Reformation Day Protests." The Christian Post, November 20, 2023. https://www.christianpost.com/news/mainline-churches-respond-to-reformation-day-protests.html. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  36. ^ a b Ecumenical News. "Reformation Day 2023: Gen Z Protests Shake Mainline Churches." December 5, 2023. https://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/reformation-day-2023-gen-z-protests-shake-mainline-churches/60987.htm. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  37. ^ Scanlon, Leslie. "PCUSA General Assembly 2024: Key Decisions." The Presbyterian Outlook, July 10, 2024. https://pres-outlook.org/2024/07/pcusa-general-assembly-2024-key-decisions/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  38. ^ Presbyterian News Service. "PCUSA General Assembly Addresses Conservative Push." July 15, 2024. https://www.pcusa.org/news/2024/7/15/pcusa-general-assembly-addresses-conservative-push/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  39. ^ a b c Bailey, Sarah Pulliam. "Gen Z Conservatives in Mainline Churches." The Washington Post, July 5, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2024/07/05/gen-z-conservatives-mainline-churches/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  40. ^ Jones, Robert P. "The Reconquista Name Controversy." White Too Long, December 10, 2023. https://www.whitetoolong.net/2023/12/the-reconquista-name-controversy/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  41. ^ a b Everett, Laura. "Reconquista’s Risky Rhetoric." Christianity & Crisis, January 20, 2024. https://www.christianityandcrisis.org/reconquistas-risky-rhetoric/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  42. ^ Smith, Rachel. "Operation Reconquista and Christian Nationalism Concerns." Church & State, February 15, 2024. https://www.au.org/church-state/february-2024-church-state/operation-reconquista/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  43. ^ Trueman, Carl R. "The Limits of Reconquista." First Things, March 15, 2024. https://www.firstthings.com/article/2024/03/the-limits-of-reconquista/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  44. ^ Derrida, Phillip. "Is Reconquista Feasible?" American Reformer, January 9, 2024. https://americanreformer.org/2024/01/is-reconquista-feasible/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  45. ^ Griswold, Eliza (June 15, 2024). "Gen Z's Religious Right". The New York Times. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
  46. ^ Michael, Mark. "TEC Disciplines Clergy Over Reconquista." The Living Church, June 15, 2024. https://www.livingchurch.org/news/tec-disciplines-clergy-over-reconquista/. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  47. ^ Piper, John. "Gen Z and Church Renewal." The Gospel Coalition, June 25, 2024. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gen-z-and-church-renewal/. Accessed July 27, 2025.