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BY LINDA WORTHINGTON
UMCONNECTION STAFF

When word got out that the Ku Klux Klan would rally at the Antietam Battlefield in Washington County June 10, as they had in 2004, disciples of Jesus Christ rose to the occasion.

The Rev. Malcolm Stranathan of Salem UMC in Keedysville spearheaded the effort, as he?d done two years ago. He may have been the spark, but the 'Love-Not-Hate' event created its own energy and took on a life of its own, as many other churches and local groups rallied to the cause.

'Their common mission was to deflect attention from the KKK rally at the battlefield in a positive, non-confrontational way,' said Keedysville resident, Laurie Closson, whose husband is the retired Rev. Richard Closson.

June 10 was an uplifting and positive day, Closson said. Gathering in Taylor Park in Keedysville, the sunny but cool day was a celebration of diversity, filled with worship and fun. Religious, social action and ethnic groups from all over the area came together in the park and shared their ideas, creative skills, cuisine, songs and dancing.

An interfaith service at the Dunker Church on the Antietam Battlefield, started the day. Later, the historical church building would see about 30 Klansman rally. The Rev. Ed Polong of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren and chairman of the Interfaith Coalition of Washington County, challenged the audience not to remain silent in the face of intolerance, as he preached a sermon on 'For Such a Time as This,' based on the story of Esther.

Musical groups performed throughout the day, including gospel, old-time fiddling, blue grass, jazz rock and roll, heavy metal and classical. Matthew Hoffmaster from Salem UMC and his rock band, Amplified Kicks, played during the early evening. The final act was a string ensemble from Boonsboro High School that included Stranathan?s daughter, Elizabeth.

In addition to Salem UMC, Mt. Nebo UMC also participated, as did churches of other faith traditions: Episcopal, Lutheran, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Christ, Eastern Orthodox and the New Life Community Church, as well as members of the Baha?i faith and Reform Judaism.