Religious Groups Unite Against Hate With Over Two Million Participants

Multiple religious communities gathered for "Stand Up Sunday" on Thursday, October 18, to counter faith-based hate, with a particular focus on antisemitism. Over two million Americans from various denominations participated in the event across the country.

The initiative was organized by the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. This year's event, themed "United in Faith, United Against Hate," expanded upon last year's participation, which involved over 1.5 million individuals across more than 30 states.

Participating organizations included Catholic archdioceses from New York, New Jersey, Washington, and Boston, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Armenian Diocese of America, as well as numerous African Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, and other Christian congregations.

Organizers of "Stand Up Sunday" emphasized the strength found in unity against hate and intolerance, stating that the gathering demonstrates a common humanity that is stronger than divisive forces.

The event took place amid a period of significant increases in faith-based hate crimes in the U.S. Between 2015 and 2024, these incidents rose by 136 percent, with antisemitic occurrences increasing by nearly 900 percent.