An LGBTQ+-affirming church in Atlanta, Georgia, was vandalized in what church leaders suspect was a homophobic act.
Despite being seated in the center of the Bible Belt, Virginia-Highland Church stands out as an LGBTQ+-affirming place of worship. Its website describes it as a “Jesus-following, justice-doing, LGBTQ-affirming, anti-racist, radically inclusive faith community.” It is comprised of roughly 40 percent queer identified people, and Pastor Matt Laney makes it clear that all are welcome regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, a week ago, a man was seen tearing down a banner hanging outside of the church. The banner displayed the colors of the Progress Pride Flag, as well as the slogan “A just world for all.” Laney described the action as being “very (aggressive), clearly trying to make a statement, unfortunately,” and says that he suspects the man was specifically targeting Virginia-Highland for its inclusive policies. Police are currently investigating this act of vandalism as a possible hate crime.
The issue of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the Christian church has been a source of some contention in the past. And this isn’t the first time a place of worship has been vandalized or attacked for supporting its queer members. Just a mile away from Virginia-Highland, vandals spraypainted a fellow LGBTQ+-affirming church last summer. And earlier last year, a neo-Nazi group attempted to firebomb a church that was hosting a Drag Story Hour event.
But Virginia-Highland church will not let this act of hate stop them, Laney says: “When you’re out loud and proud as we are, as a community getting our message out there, there are those who don’t agree and sometimes disagree in ways that are disagreeable and hateful. (But) when the hatred rises up, when the shadows gather, that’s an opportunity for us to shine more love and light in the world.”
Photo courtesy of Virginia-Highland Church on Facebook
