Within congregations are many youths who, if encouraged and trained, would lead or take part in efforts to counter hate violence. We see everyone from neo-Nazis to tax protesters and antiabortion activists. Their numbers have grown exponentially. Jonathan Mozzochi, Executive Director, Coalition for Human Dignity 5. Don't wait for hate groups to show up.
Hate groups capitalize on the negative emotions and racism already present in communities.
Ask your annual conference to train teams of people who could help a local community or congregation strategize against hate violence and celebrate diversity in ways that give expression to the wholeness of the human family. Develop strong interfaith networks. Most communities have found that the best leadership reflects an area's religious diversity. A strong interfaith presence can act as a deterrent to hate violence. Hate groups seek to exploit diversity as an evil and to pit religious groups against one another.