Why We Must Speak Out for Religious Freedom

There’s something deeply wrong when a peaceful Christian rally is framed as a threat, when simply standing for truth is treated as “provocation,” and when the violence that follows is ignored or excused. That’s exactly what happened in Seattle. And it’s why I’m writing this.

The events surrounding the Mayday USA rally at Cal Anderson Park weren’t just about one city, one mayor, or one group. They’re a snapshot of what’s happening across America: Christians are being pressured into silence—and told that standing up for biblical values is somehow hateful or extreme. I’m here to say: No. We cannot be silent.

A Rally for Truth—and a Right to Religious Freedom

On May 24, 2025, a Christian group called Mayday USA held a rally in Seattle titled “Don’t Mess With Our Kids.” Their message? Simple: protect children, stand for biblical truth, and don’t be bullied into compliance with the world’s values. They weren’t hiding the fact that their views ran counter to the dominant ideology of that area—especially when it comes to abortion and transgender policies affecting children.

But here’s the key point: it was a peaceful religious gathering, held with a permit, and protected under the First Amendment. Whether people agreed with the message or not, religious freedom guarantees the right to gather and speak.

I’ve heard people say the location was chosen to “antagonize.” I get why it might feel that way to some. But that’s not the point. This wasn’t a mob or a stunt. It was a visible stand for truth in a place where truth desperately needs to be seen. If we only preach to safe crowds in safe spaces, how will the world ever know who we are?

Who Really Started the Violence? The Facts Matter.

Let’s get to the heart of what unfolded. The rally attracted hundreds of attendees—and a large group of counter-protesters, including LGBTQ+ activists and self-identified Antifa members. According to official reports, 23 people were arrested that day—almost all of them counter-protesters, not Mayday supporters.

Police officers were assaulted. The event had to be cut short. And still, the mainstream narrative paints the Christians as the problem. It’s upside down.

What’s even more telling is that none of the Mayday rally participants were arrested. That speaks volumes. The Christians weren’t looking for a fight—they were there to stand firm in their faith, not incite violence.

When a Mayor Paints Christians as Provocateurs

Here’s where it gets truly disturbing. Instead of condemning the violence or standing up for the city’s duty to protect religious freedom, Seattle’s Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a statement attacking the rally itself.

He described it as a “far-right” event “meant to provoke,” and framed the group’s biblical beliefs as being “inherently opposed” to the city’s values. Let that sink in.

When a mayor declares that Christian values don’t belong in a public square, he’s not just expressing an opinion—he’s emboldening those who want to silence us completely. That kind of rhetoric is dangerous. It creates an environment where violence feels justified—where silencing Christians becomes acceptable.

Leaders should protect everyone’s rights equally, not pick ideological favorites.

We’re Called to Boldness—Not Silence

There’s something else this moment reveals: many believers are watching all of this and wondering if it’s still worth it to speak up. I get it. When standing for religious freedom earns you insults, when simply showing up with a Bible makes you a “bigot” in the eyes of the culture, it can feel easier to retreat.

But we can’t. This isn’t just about defending our rights—it’s about encouraging other believers to hold fast. If no one is willing to speak up, how will the next generation ever learn to stand?

Yes, public rallies like the one in Seattle are bold. They’re visible. And yes, they sometimes provoke a reaction. But that’s the point. We’re not called to hide. We’re called to proclaim truth with courage and love.

Truth Without Love Is Harsh—But Silence Isn’t Love Either

Let me be clear: Christians should never be antagonistic in how we treat people—especially in personal relationships. I’m not interested in shaming people or winning arguments for sport. That’s not Christlike.

In one-on-one settings, we are called to speak with grace, compassion, and humility. The gospel is offensive enough on its own—it doesn’t need us adding sharp elbows. We’re here to love people into truth, not beat them with it.

But that doesn’t mean we stay silent. There’s a difference between being gentle with individuals and being clear in the public square. The Seattle rally wasn’t a personal attack on anyone. It was a call to stand for truth—and to tell other Christians, “You are not alone.”

The Real Danger Isn’t the Rally—it’s the Coercion to Stay Silent

This is bigger than Seattle. This is about a culture that’s grown hostile to religious freedom and increasingly labels Christian conviction as “hate.” It’s about elected officials using their platforms to vilify believers while turning a blind eye to actual violence.

It’s about a media narrative that flips reality upside down.

And it’s about believers like me and you deciding whether we’re going to keep quiet or stand up.

I’ve decided. I’m not going to shrink back. Not because I’m better than anyone else—but because I believe Jesus is the truth. And I believe our country is healthier, freer, and more grounded when people of faith are allowed to live out that truth without fear.

If Not Now, Then When?

Seattle showed us what happens when a city treats Christian belief as a provocation. But it also showed us something else: there are still people willing to stand. People willing to be arrested if necessary. People who won’t let intimidation or smear campaigns define what’s right.

So let’s learn from them. Let’s follow their example. Let’s be bold—not with hate, not with pride—but with truth spoken in love, grounded in Scripture, and unafraid of what the world might say.

Because if we don’t speak out now… when will we?

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Arch Kennedy
Where Faith Meets Culture — Bold, Unfiltered, and Unafraid