Two Natick church buildings skilled acts of vandalism on Saturday, pastors mentioned in social media posts.
The vandal focused The First Congregational Church of Natick and the Christ Lutheran Church.
The vandal ripped down satisfaction flags at each homes of worship and changed them with what is called the Christian flag, together with a banner that reads “Jesus is King,” the pastors mentioned. The perpetrator additionally left leaflets containing scripture interpreted to be anti-LGBTQ+.
“Tearing down the symbols of a historically marginalized group can never be framed as God’s work – it is an action that inflicts heartache and pain on our entire community,” Reverend Cindy Worthington-Berry, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, mentioned in an announcement on Fb.
Worthington-Berry mentioned her congregation eliminated the flag, banner, and leaflets after getting the all-clear from Natick police. She says they “joyfully” restored their very own flags and commenced worship.
Reverend Christephor Gilbert, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, expressed disappointment concerning the vandalism. He hopes the Natick neighborhood will act in “love and restorative justice” to make sure this is not going to occur once more.
“What’s of the utmost concern for our community is that this anti-LGBTQIA+ act of vandalism and hate speech came from an anonymous group of other Christians, once again using the Bible to render their judgment,” he mentioned in an announcement to Fb. “It’s painful to have our shared sacred texts levied against us. Our belief is that God’s mercy is there for all.”
The Christ Lutheran Church members additionally restored their flags and continued with their service. One congregant mentioned “We’ll keep putting up those flags and banners every time someone takes them down!” the church mentioned in a Fb publish.
The Massachusetts Council of Church buildings shared an announcement in assist of the 2 Natick congregations, and requested their member church buildings to maintain the Natick neighborhood of their prayers.
“Houses of worship should be places where people can gather without threat,” they mentioned.
The Natick Police Division informed Boston.com an investigation into the incident is ongoing and they don’t at present have any suspects.
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“Well bless their hearts.”
