The sheriff’s department in Brown County, Indiana is investigating antigay, Nazi and pro-Donald Trump graffiti discovered at an Episcopal church before services on Sunday, reports WTHR-TV.
A swastika was spray-painted in black on one gray-shingled wall, “Heil Trump” on another and on a third: “Fag Church.” It’s the first case of vandalism in the church’s 60-year history.
Church leaders are turning the other cheek in response. Rather than remove the offensive graffiti, members of St. David’s say they are holding off, hoping that a good discussion can come from the hateful message.
“I’d like it to be a symbol of hope that there’s a place for you, there’s a place to be welcomed,” Rev. Kelsey Hutto told WTHR. “Love conquers all hate,”said Hutto. “And that that is our response, is to be joyful and to be loving.”
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“We’re all created equal and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and a hug is better than hate,” Gene Niednagel, the church rector’s warden.
St. David’s has hosted at least one same-sex wedding and is a member of the Episcopal Church which accepts members who are LGBTQ.
Watch a report from WTHR-TV below.
