Supporting St. David’s

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St. David’s Episcopal Church in Bean Blossom, Indiana was recently vandalized. The Reverend Kelsey Hutto from St. David’s posted the following on Facebook:
 
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“Sometime Saturday night St. David’s Episcopal Church in Bean Blossom was vandalized. Three tags were painted on the outside of the church – a swastika, “Fag Church” and “Heil Trump.”

We are disappointed that our safe haven has been vandalized but will not let the actions of a few damper our love of Christ and the world. We will continue to live out our beliefs and acceptance of all people and respecting the dignity of every human being. We pray for the perpetrators as well as those who the derogatory marks were directed at.

We will move forward continuing to be the love of Christ in the world.

Any one is welcome on the sacred ground of the church. This act was an act of separation. Separation of us from each other and a separation from God which is the definition of a sin.

We pray for unification with God, with God’s people and with ourselves.

This is only one image of a worldwide phenomenon in which we are dividing ourselves and the world from God.

We hope and pray that as the days and weeks continue we find a way to bridge this division from God and each other and ourselves.”
 
Bishop Cate Waynick responded to the incident:
 
“Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

By now you all know that St. David’s, Bean Blossom, was vandalized this weekend with a symbol of intimidation, language demeaning of GLBT persons, and praise of the President-elect. While it is deeply disturbing to be on the receiving end of such vitriol, it is also an opportunity to be very clear, with ourselves and the world around us, that we take seriously the commandment of our Lord to love one another with the same love God lavishes on every person – no exceptions.

We do not know who is responsible for the vandalism. What we do know is that the kind of language used during the recent Presidential campaign has emboldened some people to become openly abusive and insulting. Our option as faithful people is to be sure we don’t respond in kind. The Episcopal Church will continue to welcome all people, to seek and serve Christ in the world around us, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being – even those who deface our buildings. Our buildings can be marred by anger and hatred – we will not allow our hearts to be defiled.

Our hearts and our doors remain open to everyone, as we pray for the wisdom and courage to remain faithful disciples of Jesus.

Faithfully,

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St. David’s has received an outpouring of love and prayers and has turned their messages of support into “wallpaper” that can be seen and enjoyed by the entire congregation. Mother Kelsey was interviewed by CNN today about the recent events. You may watch the video by clicking HERE. The graffiti will be left on the walls of St. David’s until November 30th, at which time a special event will be held for all those who wish to support St. David’s. The members of Holy Family Episcopal Church stand with Mother Kelsey and the people of St. David’s during this difficult time. We pray for peace and offer a welcoming place for all.