FAITH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

That is our history but it doesn’t have to be our future.
Sixty three years ago, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I think it is one of the tragedies of our nation, one of the shameful tragedies, that 11 o’clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hours in Christian America.” Sadly, that still holds true today — not just for Christians, but for most faith groups.
Faith Community Challenge by L.O.V.E. Is The Answer
Participate in a fun and meaningful nationwide program — the Faith Community Challenge by L.O.V.E. Is The Answer., designed to break down the silos that divide communities and build a beautiful mosaic of relationships that can heal communities.
This program was sparked by the faith-based, multiple award-winning documentary film, WALKING WHILE BLACK: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer and the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer book and movement it birthed. The film features interviews with peace officers, faith leaders, educators, activists and others. Through the example of the reconciliation of peace officers and minority communities, the film offers an inspiring blueprint to bridge the greater racial and cultural divide and heal our communities.
The “L.O.V.E.” we’re talking about in L.O.V.E. Is The Answer is an acronym for putting love into action — LEARN about people, OPEN your heart to their needs, VOLUNTEER to be part of the solution in their lives, and EMPOWER others to do the same. No matter what our faith persuasion is, love is at the center of how people and communities heal!
The Faith Community Challenge runs continually. You can start the Challenge anytime. No matter when you start, we ask that your faith organization participates in L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Day on September 17th — a global celebration of putting L.O.V.E. into action.
On that day, we are asking the participating ministries to celebrate and showcase the work they have done together with their partner ministries. This is the perfect day to start or complete a mural, unveil giant letters spelling out “L.O.V.E.” that visitors can stand in front of and take selfies, post an original song (a community anthem) on social media, host a garden harvest party, do a community cleanup together, or any other creative expression of the partnership between two ministries and their surrounding community.
Here's How the Challenge Works

That’s it! 5 easy and fun action steps that build relationships and heal communities. Say yes, partner with another ministry, watch the film, read the book, and do the work.