KC-area church contends with serial vandalism to Pride banner: ‘My heart sank’
An Overland Park church’s message of inclusivity and love towards members of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of an outdoor banner has been repeatedly torn down, ripped apart and stolen from its property for years, a church leader says. The latest incident occurred before service on Sunday.
In 2019, Indian Heights United Methodist Church first displayed a banner with rainbow colors and the words, “All are welcome,” in an effort to show support to the queer community.
The sign, located outside the church at 10211 Nall Avenue, has been desecrated countless times since then, Indian Heights pastor Rev. Ali Haynes told The Star in an email.
Last weekend, Haynes said she drove up to the church, where she has been pastor since 2018, and noticed the banner was missing.
“My heart sank. I knew it had been stolen,” Haynes said.
Overland Park police have identified a suspect, but haven’t deemed the act a hate crime. They are currently investigating the incident as vandalism, according to police spokesperson Ofc. John Lacy. The Johnson County District Attorney’s office can change the charges, if deemed appropriate.
Police are working with the church and supplying extra patrol in the area when available, Lacy said.
On Sunday, Haynes said police categorized the most recent incident as theft with hate toward the LGBTQ+ community.
The troubles began in 2020 when the banner was stolen during the day by an individual who ran up the hill with it, according to Haynes. That incident was seen by a person who called police.
“Since that time, it has been slashed/ripped up and stolen on several occasions. I honestly do not know how many at this point,” Haynes said.
Before this recent incident, Haynes found the banner in pieces on Sept. 11 in similar circumstances: cut into pieces on a Sunday morning.
Lacy confirmed police have been previously called to the church for vandalism of a sign.
How the church responds to repeated vandalism
Members of the United Methodist Church have been fighting for inclusion in the church for more than 40 years, with the church choosing to welcome and celebrate all people but recently splitting on the issue, Haynes said.
“As United Methodist, and Christians, we are called to welcome all of God’s people into the fold of God. Christ calls us to serve those in the margins, the oppressed and the poor,” Haynes told the Star. “As a church community, the people of IHUMC lean into the knowledge that God created every single person in the image of God and called them good. It is not up to society to tell people if they belong, because God has already told us we do.”
The years of vandalism have been “distressing” to members of Indian Heights, with some feeling fear and anger, Haynes said.
But Haynes reminds her church flock to respond with love to the ravaging of their inclusive gesture.
“We cannot control others actions, we can only control ours and maybe by our grace-filled response we can show others the love of God that is in our hearts,” Haynes said. The church receives donations and kind letters and emails every time they replace the sign.
“In a time when things are so divided, the church must be the face of Christ showing unity and love to ALL of God’s people,” Haynes said.
“We will continue to [be] the church on the hill, with a truly welcoming Spirit to all who enter our doors and all we serve in our community.”
