The Proud Boys is a hate group focused on opposing anything liberal or progressive. Started in Canada, their reach is world-wide, and they have been labeled as an official terrorist group in Canada and New Zealand, although not in America. They embrace violence, racism, replacement theory, antisemitism, and hatred towards anyone in the LGBTIQQ communities and their allies. A number of them were involved in the insurrection, attempting to overthrow the United States government by occupying the Capitol building. They aren’t alone in this agenda, but they are the most visible among a cadre of hate-filled militias. Why, then, are politicians cozying up to them and defending them? What kind of patriot would support this kind of evil behavior?
One of the most disturbing aspects of groups like this is their connection to religion. This is nothing new; the KKK proudly touted their love of Jesus (while wearing hoods to hide their identity); terrorists posing as Muslims attacked us on 9/11; churches are hotbeds for White Supremacy and Christian Identity movements; all stoked by their warped devotion to God. They believe they can make the world great by subjugating anyone who isn’t white, Christian, and male. They oppose equality for women and, in the most extreme cases, death to anyone who is not heterosexual. And their movements are growing all over the world. The Southern Poverty Law Center labeled it “Holy Hate” in a 2018 article describing the movement and its variety of iterations. Holy Hate.
There has been, and always will be, hateful people who use violence in the name of God to achieve their goals. Hitler used it, convincing an entire nation that his genocide was blessed by God and the church. When power matters more than conscience, even level-headed leaders can be swayed by convincing rhetoric; it is our job to stop that demonic movement. It we ever see a picture of a politician posing with a known fascist, it is our obligation as Americans and people of faith to let others know. And yes, there are times when someone unknowingly gets caught in a situation that is beyond their control. Pres. G.W. Bush was conferring with a Christian Nationalist pastor from Texas early in his administration, but once he found out what the man’s agenda was, he completely disconnected with him and his church. That’s because Pres. Bush has principles. Many leaders do not.
The stakes are high for everyone when this kind of evil becomes accepted by people in power. When the Proud Boys and groups like them are welcomed at political gatherings or defended by people like Tucker Carlson, we need to rally against them. The seeds of fascism they plant grow quickly; we need to be the antidote to their poison. Watch and listen and act; they are everywhere. But so are we.
Prayer – Holy God, save us from extremism of all kinds so that we can be respectful of all people who work for the common good. Amen.