In Coronado, Awaken Church sparks a citywide debate over faith, freedom and hate [View all]

One afternoon in late January, a crowd gathered with a purpose outside the Hotel del Coronado. The conservative evangelical Awaken Church was holding its first service in the city as part of a long effort to establish a church there, and some residents were protesting. “No place for hate,” they chanted, waving Pride flags and pointing to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from church leaders.

In the 11 months since that most public display of opposition, a small but vocal group of residents has steadfastly tried to keep Awaken out of Coronado, and Awaken has just as steadfastly advanced its plans. It expects to begin holding regular services there next month.

Calling itself “fresh, real and powerful,” Awaken is known for charismatic pastors delivering commanding sermons that connect their personal experiences to Scripture.

It’s also known for its unabashed political advocacy. Its leaders have hosted prominent allies of Donald Trump, protested against transgender rights, and likened elected Democrats to evil biblical figures and the LGBTQ+ community to the devil. It partners with a right-wing organization that says it is building an “army” to “save” America.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/12/15/in-coronado-awaken-church-sparks-a-citywide-debate-over-faith-freedom-and-hate/

Another group of militant religious assholes/nutjobs wanting to forcibly infect a peaceful community with their hatemongering. What ever happened to "love thy neighbor"? That scriptural directive must be too woke for them.