In the weeks before Hurricane Helene, Bishop José McLoughlin and Bishop Ken Carter of the United Methodist Church joined forces to create a campaign to encourage love and compassion in the midst of a tense election season. In the aftermath of the devastating storm, the message only became more relevant.
At its core, the "Hate Divides, Love Unites" campaign is about transcending the barriers that often divide us—whether they are political, social, or personal. Launched as a partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, the campaign seeks to promote a spirit of love, unity, and understanding during a time when tensions are high.
“While our campaign was born out of a desire to promote peace and unity during an often divisive political season, its message has taken on new meaning. In the wake of this disaster, we are embodying love, solidarity and communion with one another,” said Bishop Carter.
As Western North Carolina picks up the muddy pieces left by Helene, this spirit of love is ever more important, and ever more present. By coming together, we are demonstrating that love can be a force for healing and reconciliation, and that it is possible to find common ground, even in the most polarized of times, and especially in the midst of tragedy.
“It is important, now more than ever, for people to know they are loved. Dividing, or othering, is not what Jesus teaches us and it is important we let everyone know that if it is not about love, it is not about God. Our message of ‘Hate Divides, Love Unites’ is rooted in the belief that love has the power to bring people together, especially in times of crisis. As we rebuild from the damage left by Hurricane Helene, we are reminded that love and unity will help us overcome the challenges we face from natural disasters and as a nation,” said Bishop McLoughlin.
The campaign has two billboards in the Western North Carolina region showing two people of different skin tones holding hands with the simple message 'Hate Divides, Love Unites.' As early voting kicks off, the bishops plan to share the message on various social media channels and make printables available for churches who want to join in sharing the uplifting message.
The heart of the campaign is the belief that love has the power to unite us all—no matter our differences. It encourages people to look beyond labels, political affiliations, and past grievances, inviting everyone to focus on what binds us together rather than what pulls us apart. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it is clear that love transcends differences. Hope, compassion, and solidarity are central to the “Hate Divides, Love Unites” message. In times of political strife and natural disaster, love will always unite where hate seeks to divide.