Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Seattle protesters blew into their kazoos, trumpets, and horns to interrupt the far-right Christian musician, Sean Feucht’s concert and worship event in Gas Works Park on August 30. Concert goers and protesters remained peaceful, although there was one arrest because a person threw water on a MAGA livestreamer, Cam Higby’s phone to disperse him from protesters. 

Several community members provided remarks to the crowd of about 100 protestors. Kendall, who represents the Seattle Revolutionary Socialists, said there should be more protestors at this event, but there aren’t because the group isn’t as organized as it could be. Kendall emphasized how the city government will not support the group or protect them from Christian far-right extremism. 

“The way that we fight fascism is to repeatedly show up and confront directly the grassroots movement of the fascists. We outnumber them, we call them what they are, and we humiliate them, and we will do this as many times as it takes for them to fuck off!” another speaker said. 

Reverend and pastor Osagyefo Sekou from the Valley and Mountain Fellowship United Methodist Church has been on the front lines of these protests against Christian fascists throughout the spring and summer, oftentimes placing his body in between protestors and police officers to deescalate rising tensions.

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made,” said Reverend Sekou, who asked the audience if he could offer a blessing, in which they agreed: 

“Lord gracious and everlasting God, I pray blessings over these, your children. And that I break every curse spoken against them: Every lie that has been told about them, that their desire to be free and to be who you called them to be in the earth. I pray that they may know that those Christians lied on you, God. And that they are lovely, and fearfully wonderfully made. And that no weapon against them shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgement shall be condemned. 

“May they know that they are cast down but they are not out. That they are persecuted, but they are not forsaken that they are pressed on every side and they are not alone and God, may they know that what is happening on the other side of the field is a heresy against your gospel and goes against the essence of who Jesus Christ is, and most of all, we ask that they might find joy. Joy in their friendships and joy in their relationships, and joy wherever they go. And may they know that they are perfect the way they are. We love you!”

After remarks, festivities like the Pink Pony Club kazoo concert kicked off, but across the field, as concertgoers held flags that said “Jesus is King,” Feucht provided his own remarks to his audience. He said he travels to the “darkest” places to shed the light of Jesus, which “disinfects.” 

“Those guys up there, those guys over here,” Feucht said as he pointed to protesters. “They would never step foot in a church, but tonight, they’re going to a two-hour church sesh! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to church!” 

Protesters kept their distance yet surrounded the concert venue on all sides of the park. Some brought boats and paddleboards with signs that said “Seattle rejects Sean Feucht’s hate,” and many others proudly held flags, including the Trans Pride flag. 

Follow TtS on social media to view more footage!