NEWS > CRIME/PUBLIC SAFETY

‘On the border of terrorism’: Spokane Valley church’s Pride display vandalized with diesel

June 26, 2023 Updated Mon., June 26, 2023 at 10:07 p.m.

By Emma Epperly
emmae@spokesman.com
(509) 459-5122

Preparing for her Sunday morning message didn’t go as planned this week for the Rev. Gen Heywood, who arrived at Veradale United Church of Christ to a strong odor of diesel fuel and the absence of the colorful pride flags that had graced the church’s entryway hours before. ... It took Heywood a few hours to realize that “Lev 2013,” which she found drawn on the church’s lawn with the fuel, stood for Leviticus 20:13, a Bible verse often used to condemn gay people.

Vandalism directed at, or the theft of, the pride flags is something Heywood expected. The church hung the flags higher than previous banners to discourage “temptation,” Heywood said. ... However, the diesel fuel message was both surprising and extremely concerning to Heywood and the 25 people who regularly attend services at Veradale. ... “The Leviticus in diesel, that became on the border of terrorism,” Heywood said. “It was a threat, and it smelled like a threat.”

Veradale is an open and affirming church, with a large portion of its members in the LGBTQ+ community. ... “Everybody is welcome,” Heywood said.

The church had three flags on display: a pride flag, one that read “Black Lives Matter” and another with a variety of sayings, including “Science is real” and “No Human is Illegal.” ... The church also had a series of smaller pride flags along the sidewalk leading to its front door.

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