James Talarico, a Texas state representative and Presbyterian seminarian, has drawn criticism after a 2023 sermon resurfaced this week in which he described Christian nationalism as a “cancer” and linked it to abortion access.

In his sermon delivered at St. Andrews’ Presbyterian Church, Talarico stated: “There is a cancer on our religion.” He further claimed that Jesus opposes religious rules and that sinners would see the kingdom of heaven before religious people do.

The preacher also argued that Christian nationalism has co-opted Christ’s message, calling it a force promoting “a gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist” movement. Talarico warned this ideology is on the rise and Christians must confront it.

Talarico cited specific examples from his sermon, including the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and efforts to replace public schools in Texas with private Christian institutions, as evidence of how Christian nationalism undermines progress.

During a 2021 interview on the “Activist Theology” podcast, Talarico described his identity as being limited by “whiteness” and “masculinity.” He praised his longtime minister, Jim Rigby, as a “true white traitor” and claimed Christianity’s political influence stems from shared traditions with opponents.

Talarico also stated Christian teachings represent the most radical political philosophy: “Nowhere else, in no other political philosophy, in no other economic theory, do I find anything as truly radical or revolutionary as the teachings of that barefoot Rabbi.”

The Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will face Talarico in the November 2026 general election for the U.S. Senate seat.