At the beginning of 2020 the United Methodist Church announced plans to split over disagreements on LGBTQ+ basic human rights.
Since then, over 1,800 of the 30,000 Methodist Churches in the United States have disaffiliated.
This split within the denomination illustrates just how dividing the opinions over LGBTQ+ equality is for Christians, even within a denomination that touts the slogan “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”
Recently an inclusive, nondiscriminating United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee was vandalized with a cinder block.
Instead of allowing this to crush them, the church reclaimed the tool of destruction and made it a symbol of strength and inclusivity.
Check out the photos from their Instagram account which they also shared on Facebook.
They captioned the photos of the vandalism:
“To the person(s) who vandalized this safe sanctuary last night: you are loved.”
“And even though hate literally broke through by your action in that moment, we are reminded that God’s love always conquers human hate and the joy and love shared this morning during worship was palpable in this space”
“That is something that no one can take away. #FindYourPeople #GodIsLove #BeUMC #GlendaleUMC”
Then they shared what they chose to do with the cinder block.
They captioned the photos:
“This cinder block: used as a physical, tangible sign of hate thrown through our sanctuary window.”
“Our own Sophie Dukes felt the call to take it home to transform it to reveal the beauty of God’s inclusive + affirming love for ALL people.”
“THIS is our mission at Glendale. Hate, violence + bigotry never have the final word. #FindYourPeople #GodIsLove
People were impressed at the church’s determination to reclaim power over the violence.
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
Glendale United Method/Facebook
What a beautiful way to rise above the hatred.
