Arlington United Hosts March Against Hate

Arlington United Church, in response to recent incidents of racial violence and fear in the nation, organized and sponsored an anti-hate rally in Arlington, WA.The focus was on love, specifically Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35 to love one another. Other churches in town were invited to join in. Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, an ELCA church, participated. A crowd of approximately 60 people were there, including many small children.

Some invited speakers were not able to attend, but sent statements that were read. They included Mayor Barbara Tolbert, Congressman Rick Larsen (who grew up in Arlington United and is still listed as a member), and County Councilman Nate Nehring. Speakers, in addition to Pastor Deena Jones of Arlington United, were City Councilman Mike Hopson, Arlington Chief of Police Jonathan Ventura, Rev. Jessica Ronhaar of Youth Dynamics, and Mr. Will Nelson representing the Arlington School District and also speaking as a Native American. He was given the last word for the evening.

All the speakers focused on our call to counteract hatred with love and to celebrate diversity, rather than fear it.

As the organizer of the event Pastor Deena shared that it is time for people of good will, and especially the church, to stand up and speak out. Those in the majority culture can no longer pretend that racism is a thing of the past. Racists and white supremacists have been emboldened to speak and act, so we must be just as bold in saying “No!”

The evening was very positive. It was good to have participants from various roles within the community. It would have been nice to see more churches join in, but we are thankful for those who did.