The city of Shoreline canceled a 'Coffee with a Cop' event scheduled at Pilgrim Coffeehouse on March 26, 2025 following protests from community activists objecting to owner Keith Carpenter's far‐right conservative religious beliefs. The decision has sparked debate over the use of political and religious litmus tests in public events, raising concerns about divisive practices that could foster authoritarian tendencies.

A Pilgrim Coffeehouse event intended to foster community dialogue with local law enforcement was canceled after protests and negative reactions emerged in response to owner Keith Carpenter’s expressed Christian views on marriage. Critics argue that these views contribute to an exclusionary environment, raising questions about the business's role in fostering divisive political narratives.

Pilgrim Coffeehouse faced significant backlash after its owner Keith Carpenter's public defense of exclusionary Christian beliefs led to the cancellation of a community 'Coffee with a Cop' event. The incident highlights deep tensions between conservative religious values and progressive inclusivity efforts, with implications that such politically charged stances can normalize exclusionary and authoritarian rhetoric.

A Seattle suburb canceled a police-community event after protests arose over Pilgrim Coffeehouse owner's conservative Christian views, highlighting tensions between inclusivity and exclusionary ideologies that may align with authoritarian tendencies.