“Love is the Point”

A Multi-faith Response to
Turning Point USA Event

Friday May 15th 6:30-8:30PM

Multi-faith leaders from the Greater Portland Area are inviting people of every faith (and no faith at all-all are welcome) from across the state to join for “Love is the Point” on Friday, May 15, 6:30-8:30pm at First Parish Church in Portland (425 Congress St.) as an alternative to the Turning Point USA event at the Portland Expo, scheduled for the same date and time. The free event will include a roster of local musicians, support for efforts related to immigrant rights, trans rights, reproductive rights, and gun safety, and provide fundraising opportunities for the communities targeted by Turning Point USA.

This event intends to shine a light on the love and community support found in Greater Portland and throughout Maine for all those who feel that their lives, safety, and rights are oppressed, targeted, or at risk in the hands of right-wing politics, White Supremacist ideas, and Christian Nationalist ideologies. Gathering at the same time as the planned Turning Point USA event offers residents from across the state a safe and welcoming space, and a reminder that there are many people, leaders, and communities in Maine that embraces all of its residents and their many unique gifts.

This event is for anyone who believes that:

• All humans, regardless of origin, race, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, or faith tradition have equal and inherent worth. No one is wrong or bad or unlovable or unwelcome because of who they are.
• Immigrants and people of all races and backgrounds are welcome here and everywhere. A diverse community is a stronger community.
• Trans and queer people are welcome here and everywhere, enriching and strengthening our communities.
• Reproductive rights are essential. Everyone has a right to make their own decisions about their own bodies.
• Gun safety is needed to protect our communities, make our schools safe, and lower the instances of suicide, gun violence and death.

More details and sign up can be found at loveisthepoint.eventbrite.com. People can come without signing up, but sign ups give us an idea of numbers so sign ups are helpful!

Background

• With the support of Calvary Chapel, Turning Point USA is bringing their “Make Heaven Crowded Tour” to the Portland Expo on May 15th. Founded by Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. Largely associated with Christian Nationalism, the organization presents itself as faith-based but its principles are in direct contradiction with the core tenets of many people, leaders and organizations of faith.
• Clergy and Leaders of The MultiFaith Organizing Group of Greater Portland are coming together to organize this “Love is the Point” counter-event that speaks to the core tenets of every world religion, which call us to love our neighbors.
• Faith and Spiritual Leaders are invited to rise in solidarity, showcasing how full our Portland and Maine community is of safe, accepting and welcoming leaders, communities and spaces for ALL people.
• To make our gathering one of action and support as well as solidarity, donations will be taken for causes under attack by Turning Point USA: immigrant rights, trans rights, reproductive rights, and gun control.

Details

• Timing: Friday, May 15th 6:30-8:30PM
  • NOTE: building will be open earlier and later to support anyone who wants to be in loving community during the Turning Point event.
• Location: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress Street in Portland, Maine
• What to Expect:
  • Most of the programming will be Local Musical Acts performing.
  • MultiFaith Clergy will speak to and rise up in a show of solidarity-demonstrating that love, welcome, and inclusion are central to the experience of faith.
    • Specific mention will be made of faith leaders/communities that are unable to attend at the time of the event
  • Statements by leaders of movements or MultiFaith Organizing Group members speaking about each of the key issues and how grounded their truth is in our hearts and in faith teachings (pro-trans, pro-immigration/diversity, pro-choice and reproductive rights, gun reform).

Partners

If you are a leader of a faith or spiritual community in Maine and would like to be highlighted as a partner organization that stands with the values of this event, please fill out this form.