Vandals break windows Mars Hill Church

[doggie]

I don't agree with the violence it does not help but it could not happen to a nicer church.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/inde ... south.html

A Southeast Portland church was vandalized early Tuesday, and a group calling itself the “Angry Queers†has reportedly taken responsibility.

Stained glass and other windows were broken at the Mars Hill Church, 3210 S.E. Taylor St., according to a post on the Facebook page of Pastor Tim Smith.

“Neighbors of the church reported seeing several young adults in black masks throwing large rocks into the windows,†a church news release said. “Police stated that a bank in the area was also vandalized in the same way and that they believe the vandalism was planned ahead of time, most likely by an activist group.â€

This afternoon, KPTV FOX 12 reported it had received an email from someone using the name "Angry Queers" and claiming responsibility.

MARS_HILL_CHURCH-02.jpgView full size

Mars Hill Portland opened in October. During the first service, protesters gathered in front of the church and yelled obscenities at worshipers to speak out against the church’s stance on homosexuality. Mars Hill Church was founded in Seattle about 15 years ago by Pastor Mark Driscoll, who preaches against homosexuality and believes it's a sin.

In his Facebook message, Smith encouraged church members to continue their work.

[debrand]

I understand the anger but such actions only feed into conservative/fundamentalist Christians belief that they are presecuted.

[crassy]

I wish people wouldn't do this stuff. I get the anger but by doing these things it makes them just as douchey as MHC and all the other crazies. High road, people...HIGH ROAD.

[SpeakNow]

Slightly off topic, but I read the title as "Vaginas break windows at Mars Hill Church." I must be really tired.

Anyway, vandalism is never the answer. If you want people to see things from your point of view then you must come across as reasonable and accepting, not belligerent.

[crassy]

Slightly off topic, but I read the title as "Vaginas break windows at Mars Hill Church." I must be really tired.

Anyway, vandalism is never the answer. If you want people to see things from your point of view then you must come across as reasonable and accepting, not belligerent.

Yanno...you may be on to something here. A big protest with everyone dressed as giant vaginas would be pretty amazing.

[debrand]

Yanno...you may be on to something here. A big protest with everyone dressed as giant vaginas would be pretty amazing.

Yes. There are so many better ways to protest this church that would really annoy its members but still be legal. You could have a 'Kiss your own sex' party across from their church. People could donate to Planned Parenthood or another charity according to how long the couples can remain kissing.

The best thing to do is to get more information out to the public about what this church teaches. I'd make a commercial using the video of Mark Driscoll telling about the psychic porn images that he gets in his head. Making fun of him might be the best way to defeat him.

[Georgiana]

People deserve to feel safe and to be treated with respect, no matter what religion/church they belong to. Vandalism, violence, and yelling obscenities at people as they exercise their right to attend the Church of their choice is wrong and is no different than people doing the same to a Planned Parenthood or a mosque. Disrespecting others is not a way to get what you want.

[TXDuck]

I know this is as paranoid as your average fundie. But is it possible the vandalism was staged to bring the church "look how persecuted we are!!" attention? And if they were wearing masks, how could you tell they were young adults? Has anyone been arrested in connection?

[debrand]

I know this is as paranoid as your average fundie. But is it possible the vandalism was staged to bring the church "look how persecuted we are!!" attention? And if they were wearing masks, how could you tell they were young adults? Has anyone been arrested in connection?

I would not put it past the church or Mark Driscol to stage something like this.

[lilwriter85]

People deserve to feel safe and to be treated with respect, no matter what religion/church they belong to. Vandalism, violence, and yelling obscenities at people as they exercise their right to attend the Church of their choice is wrong and is no different than people doing the same to a Planned Parenthood or a mosque. Disrespecting others is not a way to get what you want.

This.

[SpeakNow]

This.

QFT

[crassy]

I would not put it past the church or Mark Driscol to stage something like this.

Agreed.