A church expelled an entrepreneur for unfiltered remarks about a Ganesh Chaturthi procession held in Dallas.
Daniel Keene shared a video of the Hindu religious celebration. He wrote, “We have to cancel the H-1Bs. I want my kids to grow up in America. Not India.”
Though he later deleted the post, which went viral, Keene remained unapologetic. But his family reportedly faced threats.
What matters is that the threats were just that, only threats.
Keene lives to tell the tale.
The episode brings into sharp focus on how values find some voice in the US regardless of the challenges there that Keene is facing.
Sure enough, the system in the US is not spotless. Opinions stir strong backlash. Public actions come with consequences.
Yet the US allows space for expression. The rule of law and institutional sensitivity in the US balance free speech and community standards.
In contrast, in India, members of a minority community openly criticising a majority religious celebration could face extreme social consequences. They could be ostracised. Worse, even lynched.
Meanwhile, Keene said his shop, Boundaries Coffee, was bombarded with false reviews, and his gym cancelled his membership. He also alleged an extortion attempt from an individual claiming to represent millions of Indian-Americans, demanding $20,000. Following this, his church confronted him and ultimately removed him from its congregation.
According to Keene, on September 24, he was summoned to a two-hour meeting with seven elders and one staff member of The Trails Church. During the meeting, he said he was asked to express repentance for the post. Keene, however, maintained that he was willing to step down from leadership but did not want to leave the church altogether. He also said he wanted to be “left alone.”
He documented his version of events in a list of “facts the elders don’t bother disputing”:
– He was told the post was subject to church discipline.
– He was asked to leave the congregation.
– He offered to stay as a member and step back from leadership roles.
– His offers to provide evidence of anti-racist posts and bring in witnesses were declined.
– Repeated requests to the church elders for a written explanation of his offence went unanswered.
Keene said, “That’s the policy position I stand behind,” affirming his stance on immigration.
He clarified to the media that he didn’t harbour hatred towards Indians. “It’s not about skin colour or anything. It’s about what kind of country do you want to leave your kids, and do you have the right to object to the policies that are seemingly affecting my children? That was kind of my concern,” he was quoted as saying.
“I wanted to bring awareness to the policy effect on the ground. I did not want to get death threats,” he added.
He said he was willing to put out a clarification or speak with anyone who felt offended but was not ready to take back his words.
The Trails Church, in its communication with the media, confirmed discussions with Keene regarding the Christian principle to “love our neighbours as Christ has loved his church.” The church elders encouraged him to reflect on whether he could continue joyfully as a member.
Eventually, the church stated that they received a formal request from the Keenes to remove them from membership.
The case has also drawn attention from other leaders. Texas public figure Alex Duncan made remarks questioning Hindu worship, saying, “Why are we okay with false gods?”
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