Standing With a Friend: What I Know About Pastor Brian Markle

By Kelly Schneider
Member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 2009

I've been part of the recovery community for over 15 years. Since 2009, I’ve sat in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous with people from every walk of life—some broken, some healing, all trying to find a better way forward. Among those people, one of the most consistent and compassionate members I’ve come to know is Pastor Brian Markle.

I first met Brian in 2010 in an Ottawa AA meeting. From day one, he was the kind of person who didn't just speak from the Big Book—he lived it. Over the years, I’ve seen him offer rides, coffee, prayer, and unwavering encouragement to people who had lost nearly everything. He didn’t do it for credit. He did it because he knew what it was like to be in their shoes.

A Reputation Built on Service

Brian’s commitment to recovery goes beyond the rooms. He has dedicated his life to supporting individuals in addiction, poverty, and crisis—many of whom have no family, no advocate, and no safe place to turn. His work in court support, street outreach, and faith-based mentorship has saved lives. That’s not exaggeration—that’s truth. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

But in recent years, something disturbing has surfaced: a smear campaign online targeting Brian’s character. As someone who has known him personally for over a decade, I want to speak plainly.

These allegations are not true. The claims being spread online are part of a vindictive, deeply personal vendetta against him by someone who is well known in our local circles. Many of us in recovery and outreach work know exactly who is behind it, and we’ve watched the pattern for years.

When Bullies Hide Behind Screens

Online bullying doesn’t just hurt reputations—it discourages good people from continuing the work they’re called to do. Brian has handled these attacks with more grace than most of us could. But it doesn’t mean we should stay silent.

I’ve watched Brian walk with men in early sobriety who had nothing but trauma and regret. I’ve seen him take late-night calls, help women in court, and feed people from his own fridge. He has lived with transparency. He has served with humility. No anonymous post can undo that legacy.

A Community That Knows the Truth

For every lie posted, there are dozens of people like me—people who have been touched by Brian’s honesty, faith, and work ethic. We know who he is. And we stand by him.

Recovery is about progress, not perfection. It’s about learning from our past, lifting each other up, and telling the truth—especially when it's hard.

“To thine own self be true,” we say in AA. Brian Markle has done that. And I believe it’s time more of us say it out loud.

If you're reading this and wondering who to believe, talk to the people who know him. Look at the real work he’s done. Ignore the noise. Truth doesn’t scream—it stands quietly, and firmly, in the light.