Two churches in Natick, Massachusetts, were targeted over the weekend in what is being called an act of anti-LGBTQIA+ vandalism.
Pride flags displayed outside both the First Congregational Church and Christ Lutheran Church were stolen and replaced with anti-LGBTQIA+ messages and a "Christian" flag, according to local authorities.
At the First Congregational Church, trans-Pride, gay-Pride, and mental health awareness flags were found discarded beneath bushes, as reported by The Independant.
Reverend Cindy Worthington-Berry of First Congregational described the incident as “a kick in the gut" in an interview with WCVB
Similarly, Christ Lutheran Church was also targeted, with the vandals leaving behind letters containing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. “It’s startling” Rev Christephor Gilbert told the outlet. “They not only hung the flag here but also placed another banner on the church corner stating, ‘Jesus is king.’”
Local authorities are actively investigating the incidents and are reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the perpetrators. No arrests have been made at this time.
Both revs have expressed a desire for those responsible to be held accountable, with a focus on restorative justice. “Our hope is that if the individuals who did this are identified, the Natick community can guide them towards some form of restorative justice” Gilbert stated.
Worthington-Berry echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the church's stance: “God sees all people as beloved, and God affirms everyone, regardless of who they love or who they are, which is a core belief in the Christian tradition.”