Nativity scene with gay figures vandalized
A nativity scene is on display near the Washington Monument on December 23, 2010 in Washington, DC. / Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
CLAREMONT, California - Vandalism of a church's Nativity display that includes depictions of gay and lesbian couples was being investigated as a hate crime, police said.
The damage at Claremont United Methodist Church happened late Saturday or Sunday morning.
The display's three panels feature silhouettes of three hand-holding couples — two men, two women and a heterosexual pair. The vandal knocked over the depictions of the gay and lesbian couples but left the straight couple alone.
"It's a hate crime based on it being church property as well as the wooden box knocked over that depicted two males holding hands," police Sgt. Jason Walters told the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
The display created by artist church member John Zachary includes the phrase "Christ is born" and a Star of Bethlehem but no traditional manger figures. For the past six years, Zachary has designed and built a scene on the church's front lawn. The scene has had controversial themes before, but this was the first about gay couples, the Daily Bulletin said.
Zachary said the artwork suffered at least $3,000 worth of damage. The exhibit had three panels that weighed 600 pounds (272 kilograms) each.
The Rev. Dan Lewis said he was saddened by the incident.
"We have members of our church who are gay and lesbian who it sends a very personal message to," said Lewis, who learned of the vandalism on Christmas Day. "I tried to say in worship on Sunday morning that we will not let it trouble us."
Ed Kania, 60, an openly gay member of the church, called the act of vandalism disappointing, especially because Claremont is a generally seen as a progressive college town.
"It's a reminder that although there are pockets of acceptance, not everybody is accepting," he told the Los Angeles Times.
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The righteous religious enthusiasts are going to be left behind in history due to there hate and discrimination. This is still a free country and those that would destroy America are here on this thread. They want a fundamentalist government. God put his beloved gay people here to out these haters and show them for what they really are. Go on haters, burn in your hate while God looks on in shame.
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Are you referring to the man in the sky aka Jack in the Beanstalk
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus
35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses.
Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?
9... I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
2. You might check with Planned Parenthood, or write to someone in Iran or Arabia for the going price. If you are serious I suggest that you need to take your medication and/or get professional help.
3.If you read the whole passage you will notice that washing your clothes and self will take care of the problem, no need to ask. I suggest you use soap. Also your 'friends' will thank you for washing.
4.Definitely not, they might be armed with aerosol spray cans! Instead invite them over for the barbeque (BBQ). Or, ask someone who knows how to BBQ for help. (If your altar is indoors, try taking out the batteries in the smoke detector.)
5. Since you are not to do any work on the Sabbath, ask the police to do it, but not on the Sabbath.
6. Since you apparently don't know the difference between 'detestable' and 'abomination' I can only refer you to professional help with these words. And no, there are no degrees of abomination.
7. No wiggle room. This passage is for priests. Are you thinking of becoming a priest by any chance? If not it does get you out of the burnt offering thing.
8. I don't know where you got this one. After looking through different bibles and even googling this, I can't find anywhere that they should die. So leave them alone.
9.Only if the gloves are made of cowhide and have no holes. If you do happen to touch the football, shower after the game. (If you use soap your friends will be grateful.)
10. By planting two different crops in the same field and by wearing garments with two types of material, it would be ok not to visit them very often. Everyone that has heard him blaspheme should take part. You know, many hands make light work and all that.
It is apparent that you have not read the context of all these passages. The way you jump between passages, maybe a short course in organization may be called for. I suggest you take a basic reading for comprehension course because it obvious that with your extreme intelligence you have lost lost touch with reality.