PORTAGE, Mich. — Portage Chapel Hill Church launched a fundraiser to help pay for repairs after someone shot the sign with a hunting arrow.
The city of Portage said Wednesday that it happened on Sunday, August 20— adding that the most consistent and prominent image on the sign is a Pride Progress flag.
“It seemed as if someone was trying to communicate a message, and a weapon of violence was our particular choice. We’re grateful that no individual was hurt, and we’re just going to keep being who we are,” Rev. Jessie Davenport told FOX 17.
City officials say the damage to the LED sign on the corner of Oakland Drive and Romence Road will cost nearly $2,000.
Portage has nondiscrimination city ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We condemn violence and discrimination against the LGBTQIA community and will continue to work to secure equality and fairness to all,” the city wrote in a news release Wednesday.
“Chapel Hill has been an open and affirming congregation since the late 90s, and within the last decade, has adopted a stance of anti-racism, and all of that stem from our understanding of who Jesus is,” Rev. Davenport added.
If you’re interested in helping, you can donate through the church’s GoFundMe page.
Any additional funds raised beyond the cost of repairs will be donated to OutFront Kalamazoo, an organization that works to create a just, inclusive, equitable and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations, gender identifies and expressions.
