"I've lost count of how many new flags and money to buy new flags we've received," he said, adding they will now have plenty in reserve and monies to buy more in the future. Much was the same with the response from the community, with members, friends of the church, pastors and other United Methodist church leaders reaching out to express their support, sorrow and anger - some who Bechtold said have differing views on what inclusion looks like to them. Bechtold discussed the incident during worship services and a few people expressed their distress over the incident, some of whom had never spoken out before.
The resolve was quick, including that very morning the flag was found. "There is a sense of hurtfulness that someone would deliberately come on the property," Bechtold said, his voice trailing off before adding, "this was not accidental." "I try to look for the best in people, but sometimes it's not there or certain parts of them don't allow it to come out."įor some members, there has been fear, and for others, a sense of anger, Bechtold said. "The congregation feels it is an act of hate," he said. More: Sussex freeholders to mark LGBTQ PrideĪlso: Dumont HS teachers made homophobic comments on Zoom, says mayor, who wants investigationīut the flag has proven to be a sore spot for those who feel otherwise.īechtold said the flag has been stolen in the past, with church members finding it thrown behind a dumpster and around the property, but it was the first time it was destroyed by fire. The church, located at a busy intersection not far from Route 15, draws a membership of over 300 and follows a motto that welcomes those of all walks of life: "Open hearts, open minds, open doors." "The United Methodist Church's official stance we believe is not consistent with Christian values and feel it is exclusive, so the network works together to seek to change the official policy," Bechtold explained. The church has flown the pride flag periodically since 2015 when the congregation voted overwhelmingly to become a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. It has flown consistently since 2019, when Bechtold was appointed to the Sparta church.Īccording to Bechtold, there is a network of congregations across the nation that have made a commitment to be fully inclusive to all sexual orientations and gender identities. Guido said there has been no video evidence that has proved helpful. While Bechtold said there are surveillance videos on the church's front doors that help staff monitor who comes and goes, it was likely too dark to see any activity that evening.