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Two Natick churches targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism, pastors say

"It is an action that inflicts heartache and pain on our entire community," one pastor said in a statement.

The flags and banner outside the First Congregational Church of Natick.

By Eva Levin

Two Natick churches experienced acts of vandalism on Saturday, pastors said in social media posts.

The vandal targeted The First Congregational Church of Natick and the Christ Lutheran Church.

The vandal ripped down pride flags at both houses of worship and replaced them with what is known as the Christian flag, along with a banner that reads “Jesus is King,” the pastors said. The perpetrator also left leaflets containing scripture interpreted to be anti-LGBTQ+.

“Tearing down the symbols of a historically marginalized group can never be framed as God’s work – it is an action that inflicts heartache and pain on our entire community,” Reverend Cindy Worthington-Berry, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, said in a statement on Facebook.

Worthington-Berry said her congregation removed the flag, banner, and leaflets after getting the all-clear from Natick police. She says they “joyfully” restored their own flags and began worship.

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Reverend Christephor Gilbert, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, expressed sadness about the vandalism. He hopes the Natick community will act in “love and restorative justice” to ensure this will not happen again.

“What’s of the utmost concern for our community is that this anti-LGBTQIA+ act of vandalism and hate speech came from an anonymous group of other Christians, once again using the Bible to render their judgment,” he said in a statement to Facebook. “It’s painful to have our shared sacred texts levied against us. Our belief is that God’s mercy is there for all.”

The Christ Lutheran Church members also restored their flags and continued with their service. One congregant said “We’ll keep putting up those flags and banners every time someone takes them down!” the church said in a Facebook post.

The Massachusetts Council of Churches shared a statement in support of the two Natick congregations, and asked their member churches to keep the Natick community in their prayers.

“Houses of worship should be places where people can gather without threat,” they said.

The Natick Police Department told Boston.com an investigation into the incident is ongoing and they do not currently have any suspects.