In a recent debate that has caused a stir in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Democratic lawmakers spoke out against HCR 1013—a resolution that would name "Christ is King" as the state's declaration. This proclamation has been criticized for potentially leading Oklahoma into a territory where state-sanctioned religion can sideline the diverse religious beliefs or the absence thereof among its citizens.
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson expressed her frustration with the resolution, highlighting the lack of focus on tangible issues that affect Oklahoma residents daily. "We spent over an hour on the House Floor today and did not solve a single problem for everyday Oklahomans," Munson said, according to an Oklahoma House news release. "This resolution does not solve problems, it's pandering." Her comments raise questions about the priorities of a legislature in a state grappling with challenges like healthcare and housing affordability.
Adding to the voices of dissent, Rep. Mickey Dollens called attention to the problematic conflation of religion with state affairs. "I want to amplify the voices of Christians who recognize this resolution as rooted in Christian Nationalism which is not a religion but a political ideology rooted in power, control, and exclusion," Dollens explained. In his criticism of HCR 1013, he warned of the dangers inherent in legislation that could erode the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, as mentioned in the same news release.
Notably, Rep. Michelle McCane, an open atheist, also weighed in against the resolution. "This puts one deity over all others and is exclusionary, even among Christians," McCane told the Oklahoma House. Her stance was backed by referencing both constitutional mandates and religious texts, pointing out the need for government action to reflect that separation.
Meanwhile, Rep. Andy Fugate drew from biblical teachings to argue that the resolution falls short of Christian values. "If we want people to know that 'Christ is King,' then the legislature should show it with the work we do," said Fugate, as reported by the Oklahoma House. He emphasized the need for laws that reflect Jesus’s teachings about helping the poor, rather than just claiming to be religious without taking action.
