A church in West Hollywood, California, that has historically welcomed the LGBTQ+ community, was recently vandalized with a homophobic slur. The incident occurred at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, where the hateful message was scrawled across the sign outside the building.
Images of the vandalism, which appeared on Wednesday, show the slur written in marker on the sign that advertises Sunday Mass times. St. Thomas the Apostle has a long-standing reputation for its open and inclusive stance, particularly noted for welcoming gay individuals during the height of the AIDS epidemic when other institutions often closed their doors.
During the 1980s, under the leadership of Rev. Carroll Barbour, the church served as a sanctuary for those affected by HIV and AIDS, offering solace to both the ill and those grieving lost loved ones. Rev. Barbour himself lost his son to AIDS and presided over numerous funerals, dedicating significant time to visiting sick parishioners.
Today, the church houses Saint Damien’s Chapel, which contains a copy of the AIDS Memorial Book, listing the names of 15,000 individuals who died from the disease. The church also participates in community events, as evidenced by photos from this year's West Hollywood Pride celebration, where its booth engaged with attendees.
The vandalism has drawn strong reactions online, with many commenting on the particular irony of the attack on a church known for its message of acceptance. Social media posts from the church's Instagram account in the past highlight their embrace of inclusivity, stating, "we are all made in the image of a God who loves everyone just the way they are!".
Patrons and online commenters expressed dismay at the incident, with some noting that such acts of hate and ignorance are sadly still prevalent. The current status of the graffiti's removal and any ongoing investigation were not immediately clear. The California Post has reached out to the church for further comment.