July 1, 2026
Still whiffing the fumes of a PRIDE weekend celebration, we were filled with JOY and HOPE.
We have a permanent sign on the side of our building of a pride/trans inclusive flag with LOVE WINS in bold across it. The sign had just received a fresh coat of paint (as it was several years old) and was being reinstalled after worship service. Next to our flag is a large red wooden chalice (with x-shaped cross for the disciple Andrew) as the symbol of our denomination. We were outside supporting the re-hanging with a plan to take a group photo (not everyone was present but many were hanging around).
It took three of the church folks to get the sign back in its place. Everyone was beginning to get in place to take a group photo…we wanted to be sure the flag and the LOVE WINS was also visible. I was going to take the first photo, then someone else so that I could be in the picture too.
All of a sudden, from the parking lot, coming across our lawn towards us was a young man. Someone from our group said, “Ask him to take our picture.” As he was quickly approaching, I sensed something was off. As he got next to me, yet facing towards the group; he shouted, “Do you know what that Fu**ing sign means?” He repeated over and over slurs and slander about the queer community including we had secured our place in hell. Yelling and his hands flying around. Then he specifically started yelling at the older members in the group…more hate, slurs and hate. Every few words were laced with the f-bomb. I was closest proximity to him. I thought he would spew his hate and get back in his car.
He didn’t stop yelling and was clearly very aggravated and aggressive. I had my phone ready to take the group picture so I switched from photo to video. As he leaned in toward folks and did not stop; I got in front of him and told him he was on private property and he needed to leave. He noticed I was filming and that did not deter him. He kept shouting. “I have no fear! I have God!” He said a few other things. I kept filming and made my way to his car to film the car and license plate. He followed me and got in his car and left, still shouting hate (as his windows were down).
Some white guy, approximately late 20 or early 30’s, with black slicked back hair, wearing a tight tank top and shorts assaulted us in a hate crime. His one hand held keys with multiple unknown attachments, and his phone in his other hand. I could only determine the phone after looking at the video.
I cannot begin to understand what would cause someone traveling down a fairly busy city street, see a group of people standing outside; and noticing a large wooden flag representing the progressive pride inclusion colors- and stop and assault folks.
I have intentionally chosen words: this is a hate crime. We were assaulted. His intention was to cause fear and possible physical harm- it was unwanted contact and offensive. A hate crime (or hate incident) because he was motivated by bias against race, color sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability. I am by no means a legal attorney but by definition, this is what we experienced.
The man was spewing hate masked as theology – it was evil. What might have been even more evil was his perceived righteousness in attacking us.
Just a few minutes before, during worship prayers of the people, someone asked for prayers for the “haters” at the Pride parade on Saturday, who had loud speakers and megaphones to amplify their message.
The man who assaulted us, was apparently unaware he was standing on holy ground. He violated what is a sacred (and presumed safe) space for many
I don’t pretend to know what motivated this man, but I can make an educated guess of why he feels so entitled to assault a group of folks celebrating human dignity with love. It is probably not just one thing, but also the entirety of the dumpster fire that reflects our country right now.
Where do we go from here? We continue to show that LOVE WINS. Much easier to say than to do…I think some righteous anger is not a bad thing (but not to linger in that space). My hope is that you also take tender care of yourself and each other. I think we need to continue to be our lived theology. I believe that we continue to be Thinking Christians, Living Diversity and Seeking Justice.