Because hate discourses and hate-filled acts are on the rise across the world, and especially in our country, FCCI has formed an Against Hate Action Group to provide our members with opportunities to put their faith into action against hate in order to promote love and compassion. Ancient Israelite religion as recounted in the biblical book of Leviticus (19:17-18) declared: You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin … , but you shall love your neighbor as yourself … . In the spirit of this teaching, Jesus once said (Matthew 5:43-44): You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you … . And the modern day prophet Martin Luther King Jr. taught: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. In the spirit of our ancient tradition and its modern day manifestations, the Against Hate Action Group is committed to living in love and learning techniques of nonviolent communication, educating ourselves about anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and following the example of Jesus, which we believe, can bring an end to white supremacy in our day. For more information about this group, contact our church office or look on our church calendar for Against Hate Action events, workshops, and meetings.