Seattle Coffee Shop Owner Faces Backlash Over Christian Beliefs, Defends Faith

Seattle coffee shop owner and pastor Keith Carpenter has found himself in the eye of a storm after his newest shop faced backlash over his church's traditional Christian beliefs on marriage. Despite the uproar, Carpenter wants to bridge the divide and hopes to connect with his critics—even over a cup of coffee.

"I’d love for them to just get to know us instead of trying to shut our business down without even trying to know us," Carpenter told Fox News Digital. His three Pilgrim Coffee locations, including a new one in the Shoreline suburb of Seattle, have become targets of criticism following the announcement of a "Coffee with a Cop" event at the new shop. The event, meant to foster relationships between law enforcement and locals, became controversial when activists linked it to Carpenter's church's stance on marriage.

Negative comments flooded the Shoreline City Hall Facebook page, with some calling the venue "bigoted" and "homophobic." Protest threats and demands to relocate the event led the city to cancel it altogether, stating they wanted to avoid making anyone feel unwelcome. Ironically, Carpenter noted, the decision excluded his business in the name of inclusivity. "If we really want to believe in an inclusive city, that would include all of us—not excluding 40% of the population who might have voted differently, or who attend a church, or hold different opinions about things," he said.

Carpenter expressed frustration over what he called "character assassination" online. "They’re calling me a megachurch pastor, pocketing all the money myself and forcing my parishioners to work for free… I lead a church of 80 people," he said, dispelling the rumors. This isn’t Carpenter’s first run-in with backlash; a similar controversy last year ended his business partnership with a local elementary school after complaints about his church's inclusivity.

Despite the challenges, Carpenter maintains he holds no grudges and wants the community to see the truth behind his church and business. Epic Life Church, which he founded, supports people from all walks of life, including those struggling with gender identity, addiction, or homelessness. The church also provides free meals, coffee, and shelter. Carpenter and his wife moved to Seattle 16 years ago to bring "change and light" to areas plagued by crime and addiction, like Aurora Avenue North.

"We often bring women off the street who have nothing on after being raped and abused all night into our office and hold them. We see people in body bags, friends of ours who have overdosed in hotels," Carpenter shared. His mission, he said, is rooted in living out the principle of John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Carpenter believes dialogue could ease tensions. "If we sat down without the mob around, we’d probably be friends," he said. "We truly believe that no matter where we've been or where we're heading, we're all pilgrims on a journey that is best shared with friends—and maybe enemies—over a cup of coffee."

According to a spokesperson for the City of Shoreline, the cancellation decision was purely logistical. They explained, "The work of local government is mostly focused on the basics—it is potholes, sidewalks, and public safety. Coffee with a Cop is supposed to be a place where law enforcement can talk with residents about law enforcement in Shoreline. When the event got caught up in issues other than public safety, it could no longer serve its purpose and was canceled. Moving forward, we will only host these events at public facilities."