MITCHELL, S.D. — Vandalism with what the church leader describes as “hate speech” occurred at a Mitchell church Thursday night, May 30.
Pastor Matt Richards of Mitchell’s Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 304 E. Fourth Ave., reported that someone spray-painted messages on the property sometime between 10:30 p.m. Thursday and around 8 a.m. Friday.
The church walls and sidewalks were found defaced with Bible verses addressing repentance and same-sex relationships, inscribed in red spray paint. Numerous occurrences of “Leviticus 18:22” were written alongside its message, stating, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination.”
“It’s definitely a violation of space and a religious hate crime,” Richards said.
Richards believes his congregation was specifically targeted. He notes that the vandalism appears to be directed at his church, which he says is the only truly progressive church in town. Richards said that the church is the only one in town flying Pride flags and equality flags in support of human rights.
“We are welcoming of all people. We are a church that extends Christ’s love freely,” Richards said. “We’re supportive of LGBTQ rights.”
In recent years, the church has marked Pride Month, observed annually in June, with a special worship service. Initially held within the church walls, the congregation now gathers in local parks for this special service.
According to Richards, the church has experienced similar incidents before. The church has received letters and faced criticism on Facebook from a former member. Additionally, last summer, vandals damaged the building’s air conditioning units.
“This is probably the most targeted and clearly intentional act against us,” Richards said. “It definitely sends an intentional message.”
The church has notified its insurance company about the damage and plans to remove the graffiti. Due to the age of the brick and stone, church leaders want to be sure the graffiti is removed properly to prevent further damage. There is no estimate for the cost of removal.
“Waiting to clean up is fine, because it just gives us an opportunity to show others the lack of maturity, cowardice, and hypocrisy that someone who claims to be a Christian is doing,” Richards said.
The Mitchell Police Division is conducting an investigation and reviewing surveillance cameras in the neighborhood. Anyone who may have information regarding this act of vandalism is urged to contact the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400.
