A rainbow-colored display proclaiming "God’s Doors Are Open To All" outside a Fresno church has been vandalized for the second time this summer. The damage occurred early Sunday morning at the Big Red Church in the city’s Tower District.
Rev. Simon Biasell, the church's pastor, was alerted to the vandalism by a staff member. Upon arrival, members found the outdoor installation knocked over, smashed, and damaged. However, the congregation's neighbors intervened, restoring the display before Sunday services concluded.
"By the time everybody exited church, our neighbors had reinstalled the doors and put it back up, which is one of the wonderful things about this neighborhood," Biasell told YourCentralValley.
The church has identified as an open and affirming congregation for over three decades. The rainbow doors were originally created as part of a Pride Month project in January 2023. The church's message emphasizes that God's love extends to everyone, irrespective of their background, sexual orientation, race, age, gender, or abilities.
This is not the first time the display has been targeted. Biasell confirmed that the doors were also vandalized earlier in the summer. The congregation has previously received homophobic and negative messages via voicemail and social media. Biasell described these incidents as disheartening but stated that they would not alter the church's commitment to inclusion and support for those facing discrimination.
The Big Red Church, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, has a long history in the Tower District and engages in community outreach, including hosting addiction-support groups, providing childcare through the Head Start program, and collaborating with local organizations.