This is a special episode corresponding with an upcoming  demonstration of "loving your neighbor" in our hometown of Poulsbo, WA. You will hear a collection of voices and words of why folks love their neighbor as a direct response to  an upcoming known hategroup leader speaking a local church in our community this coming Sunday (Aug 22nd.)

To call on the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin  Luther King Jr in a sermon from 1957 (and quote in his book Strength to Love, 1963), "Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."  Here is why we love our neighbors...

Clips from: Danielle. Melissa. Rebekah. Diana. Petra. Jenny. Alex. Corban. Camper. (no name). Misty. Elise. Ben. Victoria. Luca. Estella. Benjamin. Sean. Julie. Keisha. Wayne. Luis. (no name) Maggie. 

Here's what you need to know:

1. A  local church in our area of Kitsap is bringing Joseph Backholm to come and speak on Sunday morning from the pulpit and in a "discussion panel" later that evening. This is both an in-person event as well as streamed live online.
2. Joseph Backholm's organization is listed as a hate group under the Southern Poverty Law Center . A quick look at his twitter feed and his own words will speak for themselves--his words are not only full of hate but they also incite violence towards marginalized groups.
3. In response, there is an organized protest in support of loving our neighbors--all people. And the Arise Podcast joins that effort here by collecting  messages of why we love our neighbors .

Here is a link to the ACLU's Guide to "Know Your Rights" regarding protests. 

You'll also find information about what you can to do participate in showing support for "Loving Your Neighbor." We've listed action steps from our facebook community, making phones, to showing up on Sunday in support of the BIPOC and LBGTQ community. 

ACTION STEPS:

• CALL: Gateway Fellowship Church (360) 779-5515 and say: "Hello, I am calling to protest the event you are hosting with Joseph Backholm and ask that you cancel it. His organization is listed as a hate group bu the Southern Poverty Law Center. This man and his organization's values, actions and content perpetuate harm and it is not what the people of Poulsbo want for their community, nor it is consistent with the teachings of Christ."
• SHOW UP: Sunday August 22nd from 9am to Noon at HOSTMARK and 8TH AVE in POULSBO. Bring your signs, flags and spirit wear to show your love and support for loving your neighbor.  Remember to WEAR YOUR MASKS and STAY ON THE SIDEWALKS.  Parking is available at these closed businesses: the Poulsbo Library (700 NE Lincoln Rd, Poulsbo, WA 98370), The Doctor's Clinic Poulsbo (19245 7th Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370), The old Albertsons in Poulsbo Village (near 19505 7th Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370), WA Fed Bank (18960 WA-305 #103, Poulsbo, WA 98370). REMINDER: This is a PEACEFUL protest.

Be thinking: Who is your neighbor?

Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.