Episode Details

In this moving episode of “To Be and Do,” Philip Amerson shares a poignant reflection on faith, community, and the power of quiet resistance. Drawing from personal memories and the events in Minneapolis, Philip Amerson recounts a stirring story from Evansville, Indiana in the late 1980s. When the Ku Klux Klan attempted to sow fear and division following attacks in his neighborhood, Philip Amerson and his group, Patchwork Ministries, faced a decision that would test their commitment to faith and peaceful action.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Gentle Resistance Can Bring Peace:
2. Instead of protesting the Klan’s meeting using loud opposition, the faith group opted for Stella’s simple yet profound suggestion: attend the meeting, pray with people, and respond in quiet kindness. This approach, driven by empathy and faith, diffused tensions in the sanctuary and allowed attendees to see one another more clearly—reminding us that sometimes, the most transformative action is the calmest.
3. Relationships Transform Lives:
4. After reaching out and building relationships—even with those involved in hate groups—Philip Amerson witnessed the power of connection. Inspired by advice from Will Campbell to learn the names of Klan members and treat them as individuals, Philip Amerson eventually saw a young Klan member become a regular attendee at worship. The act of acceptance and understanding paved the way for unexpected transformation.
5. Faith in Action Means Living Differently:
6. The story reaches its emotional climax when the young man drops his revolver and Klan membership card into the offering plate—a symbol of profound personal change. This powerful moment underscores Philip Amerson’s central message: as people of faith, we are called to live differently, building bridges through compassion, prayer, and hope. Small acts of kindness can not only defuse hate but invite healing and redemption.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “Sometimes the message we share is one that is built around building a relationship and touching people gently and quietly…”
2. “God bless you, just because we have the opportunity to live differently as people of faith.”

Tune in for this heartfelt narrative exploring the subtle strength of faith and the capacity for redemption in every human encounter.