Wyoming faith-based group launches to address political turmoil

CHEYENNE — A group of Wyoming Christians has formed an organization with the goal of bringing civility to politics and grounding the public in Christian values.

Though not created in reaction to the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk last week or the school shooting in Colorado the same day, the formation of the organization is in reaction to the political climate that has fostered an environment that allows these things to happen.

The new nonprofit, called Become Peacemakers, has been in the works since the beginning of the year, and has 10 members on its board of directors that includes Protestants, Mormons and Catholics from across the state.

One of those board members, Ron Rabou, said the organization is both nonpartisan and nondenominational.

“We have seen that the more secular we become, the more problems we have. And that is no accident,” he said.

Matt Micheli is a volunteer and lawyer who is working pro bono to support the nonprofit. He said people from all walks of life and all faiths are welcome to join, and that evangelism is not one of its goals.

“I love that if you look at the board members, they are from a variety of different backgrounds and, geographically, from all over the whole state,” he said. “But the thing that we all know and understand is that the path forward has to be based on the words and the directions of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that’s what we believe will make a difference.”

Though Rabou said Become Peacemakers may involve some political activism — citing an example of potentially testifying in opposition to abortion to state elected officials — Micheli said the group will remain out of political advocacy as much as it can.

He said the nonprofit will not lobby, will not endorse any candidates and will not get involved in elections in any way.

“There couldn’t be a better time or place than here and now to advocate for the practice of making peace,” she said. “I’m afraid Wyoming is in real trouble if we don’t decide, as neighbors, that we need to do better by each other.

“I hope folks will give them a chance, and we can start healing some of these divides. It won’t be easy — a lot of damage has been done. But it’s always the right time to start, and Wyoming Equality is grateful for the effort.”

In a press release announcing its formation, Become Peacemakers lists four primary areas of work:

. A statewide professional messaging campaign

. Engaging faith leaders and church communities with town hall discussions and seminars

. Offering candidate and campaign staff briefings on peacemaking, persuasion and civil engagement; and

. Encouraging Christians to step up and step in.

The press release also lists the 10 members on the board of directors, who are as follows:

. Justice Keith Kautz (retired Wyoming Supreme Court, Evangelical Leader, Southeast Wyoming)

. Diana Enzi (longtime Wyoming activist and advocate for Christ from Gillette)

. Jim Neiman (business, civic and Christian leader from Hulett)

. Michael Evers (business leader and Episcopal priest from Sheridan)

. Evan Simpson (business leader and religious leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from Star Valley)

. Frank Moore (business leader and active in the Catholic community in Douglas)

. Diemer True (business, civic and Christian leader from Casper)

. Ron Rabou (farmer, author and motivational speaker and leader in Christian community and member of Converge Worldwide from Albin)

. Patty Micheli (rancher and religious leader and teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Fort Bridger)

. Mike Leman (legislative liaison for the Diocese of Cheyenne, deacon at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper)

This story was published on Sept. 18, 2025.