Gay pride flag outside NJ church burned, again. Police investigating, ask public's help
SPARTA — A rainbow gay pride flag displayed outside a Sussex County church was set on fire for the second time late last month.
Police are asking for the public's help to find those responsible for vandalizing the flag hung outside the Sparta United Methodist Church.
The most recent incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 20. According to authorities, two "young adult males" entered the property from a wooded area behind the church and set the flag on fire using an accelerant.
The crime was similar to the first one where parishioners who were arriving for Sunday services on Jan. 2, found the flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ community and movement, had been partially burned and melted.
The county Crime Stoppers organization and Sparta Police Department announced they are investigating "biased criminal mischief complaints" involving the church flag.
The Rev. Steve Bechtold said such incidents are unfortunately nothing new for the church.
The flag has been stolen multiple times since he became pastor in 2019. And every few months, he said, the church receives "harsh" voicemails critical of its acceptance of members of the LGBTQ community.
"It's kind of the reality of taking a stand," Bechtold said. "We believe, as a church, we need to be open to all people."
The fact that each instance of vandalism has involved the same flag led Bechtold to infer that the incidents are focusing on the church's support of LGBTQ members.
"I don't know what anyone's motives are," he said, before adding, "I can guess."
Zoe Heath, the executive director of Sussex County Pride, said the repeated incidents are likely a result of "politics at a national stage." She referenced recent legislation that is harmful to the transgender population as well as politicians that are not doing enough to fight back against the laws.
"It's national news," Heath said, "and when people don't see their leaders standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, they think it's a joke."
While the flag burnings have strengthened the bond among many in the church, Bechtold said he is still concerned for those being targeted — particularly younger members who tend to be more vulnerable.
"There's always that sad question of: are we safe, and can we even be safe in our own church? And I feel that too," he said.
Heath has been regularly communicating with the Sparta church, who told her that Sparta Police have been "overwhelmingly" helpful during the ongoing investigation. She highlighted the importance of the church and other organizations demonstrating allyship to dissuade further acts of vandalism.
"When leaders show that visibility and that solidarity," she said, it shows the community that "these things don't fly."
Bechtold noted that the church does have some members who are hesitant to support the LGBTQ community. However, there are also plenty of people who joined because they are either part of the community or have family members who are, while others just want their children to grow up in an inclusive environment.
"Our hope is what we can state with this flag 24/7 is that everyone is welcome here, regardless of anything," Bechtold said.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the vandals. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Anyone with information relating to the April 20 incident is asked to call Sparta Detective Steve Guido at 973-729-6121 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973-300-CRIME. For more information, visit www.sussexcountysheriff.com.
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Pride flag outside Sparta NJ church burned, again
