Churches will not be intimidated

On Oct. 20, the rainbow flag hanging on the front sign of First United Methodist Church was vandalized. This was the third time on a month that our flag which proclaims welcome to LGBTQ persons was defaced, torn or taken and the holder destroyed. In late August, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Cross had their Black Lives Matter banner slashed and urinated on. When replaced with a message of loving scripture, it was again vandalized.

Though troubling, this trend in our community to lash out at congregations that take a stand for justice, strengthens our resolve. We will continue to stand with the other congregations in our community which have been taking part in social justice vigils since June. We will continue to address our own racism and homophobia as individuals and as a community of faith. We will continue to work for the full inclusion of Black and brown persons and the LGBTQ community in our neighborhoods and village.

We will turn the other cheek, but we won't sit down and rest.

Melissa Earley, Lead Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights

Allison Anderson, Chair, Faith in Action Team

Thom Frerk, Chair, Reconciling Ministries