Sandra Van Opstal, a speaker for the August 14th Kamala Harris Presidential campaign Zoom call, has stirred controversy with her remarks. Van Opstal, associated with the group Evangelicals for Harris, has criticized white evangelicalism and called for significant change.
She suggested the need to “deconstruct white Jesus” and dismissed the relevance of the “white church,” stating, โhas very little interest in spending time and energy to resuscitate the corpses within white evangelicalism.โ
In her remarks, Van Opstal also emphasized a radical transformation, saying, โWhatever needs to die, let it die. We need death and resurrection.โ These comments have sparked debate and criticism, particularly among white evangelicals.
Her statements have been interpreted as a call for dismantling traditional evangelical structures and ideologies, reflecting a broader discussion within religious and political circles about race, identity, and reform.
Van Opstalโs perspective highlights the growing tension between progressive and traditional views within evangelicalism and the wider implications for political and social discourse.
Who is Sandra Van Opstal?
Sandra Maria Van Opstal is a second-generation Latina pastor, activist, author, and leading voice on the intersection of faith and justice.ย She is the Founder of Chasing Justice, a movement led by people of color to mobilize a multiethnic community for racial righteousness.
Van Opstal serves as an Adjunct Professor at North Park Theological Seminary and Director of Worship for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.ย
She is also a preacher, liturgist, and co-founder of Grace and Peace Community on the West Side of Chicago.In her powerful talks, Van Opstal compels audiences to practice mutuality and solidarity in diversity work.ย As an author, she has published books on the intersection of faith and justice.