A man in State College, Pennsylvania, USA, has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a church’s Pride flag and vandalising other LGBTQ+ displays. In a surprising and compassionate response, the church has chosen not to retaliate with anger, but with a call for peace, love, and forgiveness.
Vandalism and Arrest
27-year-old Markos Bejiga has been charged with five criminal offences after allegedly burning a Progress Pride flag outside the Faith United Church of Christ on 6 June. The flag, which read “A just world for all”, was partially destroyed by fire.
According to police, Bejiga also damaged Pride-themed decorations outside Chumley’s gay bar and Café West 210 restaurant. Witnesses reported hearing Bejiga yell homophobic slurs at passers-by, and he allegedly climbed a light pole in an attempt to burn a second rainbow flag.
Bejiga now faces:
- 1 felony charge of causing or risking catastrophe
- 1 misdemeanour for disorderly conduct
- 3 summary offences for criminal mischief
Church Responds: “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
Despite the hateful act, the church responded with grace. In a public Facebook post, Rev. Jes Kast urged her congregation and the broader community to resist the urge for retaliation.
“The windows in our sanctuary say ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and that is who we have been and who we resolutely will be,” Kast wrote.
“Love is the way of God… To all, please do not let these inflamed times promote violence. I beg us all, love your neighbour.”
Kast also addressed the alleged arsonist directly:
“To the arsonist who did this, I pray for you. I pray for any who think this type of vandalism is morally okay. It isn’t. I pray that whatever anger or distress you are experiencing, that you receive loving support. Mercy and forgiveness await you.”
The church had only raised the flag three days prior to the incident.
Community Speaks Out: “We’re Not Going Anywhere”
The local LGBTQ+ community has also responded with resilience. Fermin Almeida, a board member of Centre LGBT+, told WJAC News:
“We’re not fearful. We’re not going to go back. If anything, we’re going to come out and publicly say that this is not okay, it’s not acceptable, and that we have the right avenues to ensure that we’re protected.”
