A New Jamaica Plain Coffee Shop Sparks Protests Over Church Connection | Eater Boston

"A recently opened Jamaica Plain coffee shop at 182 Hyde Park Avenue became the focus of protests after its connection to a local church with publicly stated opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgender equality was publicized. Protesters circulated boycott flyers beginning in mid-December and gathered during the shop’s grand opening—over 30 people visited throughout the day, with a peak group of about 15–20—holding signs that cited the church’s stances. The shop’s owner, minister Amanda Oicle, confirmed the business was funded by donations from friends and family connected to the church but says it operates under a separate LLC and bank account and does not earmark revenue for church ministries; any future profits, she says, would be donated to organizations serving returning citizens and fighting human trafficking. The owner has described the space as open to all while also affirming a historic Christian ethic on sex and marriage, and the controversy prompted at least one local roaster to cut ties." - Erika Adams