My church building was burned by an arsonist last night

[FourScore]

My church building was burned by an arsonist last night
by Kevin Murphy
Fri Apr 09, 2010 at 08:59:16 PM PDT

...I am a member of A Community of the Servant Savior Presbyterian Churchin Houston Texas. We are the only More Light Presbyterian Church in this presbytery. More Light Presbyterians are a group working for the full inclusion and membership of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people. We march in the Houston Pride Parade every year.
We also have a huge organic garden that donates produce to a local food pantry.
For the last twenty years or so, we have provided families living with AIDS a "Christmas Basket" which contains two weeks of food for a family of four. This last December we fed seventy two families.
We are a small church that feels like a big family.
Our worship services often have banjos, guitars, trombones, tamborines and accordions. I have been running the church music for the last few years and joke that our motto, taken from the Muppet Movie should be, "They don't look like Presbyterians to me."
I love that my daughter, age 10, had this to say to the news today:
"Some churches say sit down and we'll tell you a story," Rosy said. "But in our church we say, 'Do you have any questions? Would you like to learn about this?'"
We are active as a SOCIAL JUSTICE Church.

Last night about 11 pm an arsonist burned my church building down. We lost everything: two buildings, all our furniture, books, hymnals, a new piano, a wall of crosses from around the world and so many other things. Our building is gone but our church is strong.

I don't know why someone decided to burn my church building. I'm angry and I want answers. I know that there are people actively campaigning against churches who are fighting for social justice. I know that violence against progressive churches has become more common.

I also know that we will meet in the parking lot Sunday morning and worship. We will find a way forward and we will continue with the work we are called to do. Sunday morning I'll tune my guitar, call the hymns and we will sing. If you are in Houston Sunday morning drop by and lend a voice.
ABC LOCAL STORY http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7374984

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/4/9/855801/-My-church-building-was-burned-by-an-arsonist-last-night

[Jkid]

1. K and R

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cleita]

3. I'm sorry.

I hope you find justice and some love out of this awful experience. :grouphug:

[nemo137]

4. K&R

[jesus_of_suburbia]

5. K&R... I hope everyone watches the video.

These Christians are following the example set forth by Christ.

They are good people.

[Crystal Clarity]

23. So true

Sorry FourScore. I hope your church will be able to rebuild soon.

[kysrsoze]

6. So sorry to hear this. You'll rebuild. Yours is a REAL, inclusive Church

I know a lot of people on these boards like to rag on religion as being so awful, but there is a vast difference between good, purposeful religion, which your congregation embodies so well, and those who hide behind it and use it to their own benefit and the detriment of others. I'm not a hugely religious person, but you are all doing the right thing, and those who burned your church are not. As angry as you are, think of this... Christ endured vicious persecution and torture for helping the poor and downtrodden. Religious or not, it's an important lesson for people to learn from.

The ultimate litmus test for Christians and any other religion. Do you choose to help, or look down on the less fortunate with disdain?

[socialist_n_TN]

24. Your first sentence sums it up nicely.....................

I will only add that there is a difference between religious people who assign the higher role in religion to dogma as opposed to the ones who assign a higher role to the spirit of the religion. Jesus talked about this when he was talking about the Pharisees and Saducees.

Dogmatics are the ones who will stone the adultress and kill disobedient children. And burn spirit based churches.

Some talk the talk, some WALK the talk.

[Birthmark]

7. Seems to me...

...that Glenn Beck ought to foot the bill for rebuilding.

[SargeUNN]

8. Sad reality of our nation these days

I am truly sorry to hear this news, and to think that we would have such people who do things like this is indeed a cancer to our nation. I can see more sad stories like this, and am not surprised after what I saw following Katrina. We are certainly not America the Beautiful these days.

corrected a typo so to keep the obnoxious spell check police from arresting me.

[kysrsoze]

9. We're America the Mean

You're right - it's really bothering me lately how much hatred and intolerance for others a big portion of America seems to have. I grew up thinking people would eventually get over race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc. I find that there is a growing group of people as mean and nasty toward others than ever. I would like to think it's the last gasp of anger for those who want the majority white, paternalistic and bigoted America to live on forever. However, our society is appearing to get more hateful and fascistic in nature. It's very disturbing.

[lostnfound]

19. What a meme that is.. Wow. Gets the point across nicely.

I think it needs to spread, sadly.

[Kievan Rus]

10. I wouldn't be shocked if a wingnut did it

[rfranklin]

16. Have you ever heard of a liberal burning a church?

I can't think of any examples.

[PerpetuallyDazed]

37. No, but there was that one time when a conservative shot up a Unitarian church.

It's just sad what this country is coming to... :(

[ThomThom]

60. There has been a bunch of church burnings in Texas

in the last year or so. Some kids were caught. This sounds like someone listening to the right wing machine and acting. Hope they are caught soon.

[connecticut yankee]

67. and probably

someone who calls himself a "Good Christian."

[DesertFlower]

11. this is very sad.

[Initech]

12. Wow. Damn. People suck.

There's really nothing else I can say... just wow, people suck.

[divvy]

13. some religious people are nuts

The problem is trying to sort them out. Usually any attempt to do so is met with a charge of broad brushing. However, there are congregations that are good for society, and there are those who are not so good for society. We had a topless bar burned to the ground by a radical baptist church. The preacher prayed publicly each sunday that God would burn that topless bar down. Eventually, a congregation member took the hint.

I would suspect that your crime will play out in a similar manner and be solved easily provided the local police really want to solve it. Sometimes, individuals belong to more than one group. Most of the indivdual members of these groups are religious and don't hesitate to take their convictions to violent ends. http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-map#s=TX

I am sorry for your loss, we do need to hear more socially reponsible voices from the faithful. You may just find that it is a blessing which will attract even more folks to your congregation due to your big hearted inclusiveness.

[Lochloosa]

14. Please post Fund Raising info when you have it. Or PM me. The check will be in the mail.

[Flying Dream Blues]

32. I agree and would love to help. nt

[Hekate]

55. Church website says to check back for link to donate. That would be very direct....

http://www.servant-savior.org/

>> Our building is gone, but our church is strong!
On April 9, 2010, our church building was burned to the ground.
It has been ruled an arson.
Please keep us in your prayers, and check back here for a link
to donate to help us rebuild.
Thanks to everyone for their kind words. We will rebuild! <<

[dsc]

15. I am so sorry

I hope your rebuild goes well.

[barbtries]

17. do the police have any clues?

i'm sorry this happened. not a churchgoer but if i was, yours sounds like a good one. social justice. i hope they catch the arsonist(s)

[tango-tee]

18. Words don't suffice.

A church working for inclusion of GLBT, for social justice. And this church is burned to the ground in the middle of the night. This is sad, so sad.

[Towlie]

20. You can lay the whole thing at the feet of Glenn Beck.

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=Glenn+Beck+church+social+justice&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Here's your evidence.

[Faygo Kid]

43. I have no doubt that you are correct.

Hopefully they will catch the perps, and we can confirm it.

[ColesCountyDem]

21. I will remember you in my prayers.

My heart goes out to you and your congregation but, as you say, your church remains strong-- only the building is gone.

:grouphug::loveya:

[Bluenorthwest]

22. I come from generations of Presbeterians

I would like to point out what this man rather humbly states without fanfare. He says his church has had a ministry to people with AIDS for 20 years. That takes them back to 1990, when such actions were not only rare, but were also defining statements on the part of the loving congregations that made that choice. They were there, nearly from the first. That was a very good thing these people did, at a time when to do so was not a common choice. These people have not only love for others, they have the courage to make it known.
In my heart, I am in that parking lot with them today.

[blondeatlast]

25. I'm so sorry; that hits one right in the gut. Please don't feel shy about posting

info on donating for the rebuild; I'll send a little (I'm a fellow liberal Presbyterian).

[dgibby]

26. So am I, although severly lapsed.

I'd be happy to contribute to the cause.

[malaise]

27. Very sad

:grouphug:

[Berry Cool]

28. I think we all know why they burned your church building.

They are idiots. Bigoted idiots.

Good for all of you for carrying on. Wish I could join you.

[Ishoutandscream2]

29. Kick and recommended.

I am so sorry. Another big "thank you" to the bigots on Fox, right wing talk radio, and the Teabaggers for their behind the scenes responsibility for this tragedy.

[xxqqqzme]

30. Cowards, using the darkness to shield their shame,

hide their hate. What hard, hard hearts they have. These are the people anticipating the second coming; convinced the returning Jesus, complete w/ flaming sword in hand, will strike down all those deserving of punishment.

Guess who he will visit first?

[Raksha]

56. Why the hell are they champing at the bit for Jesus to come back?

Can't wait to hold another crucifixion?

[libnnc]

31. I am so, so sorry. Your church sounds like ours

We're members of a United Methodist church that is inclusive as well - one of only two UMC Reconciling Congregations in the state actually. In the back of my mind, I worry every day about our congregation being a target for the haters.

The bright side is, your congregation is strong, vibrant and sounds like it is full of "problem solvers". No one can kill that spirit. I will share this news with my congregation.

Best wishes to you :hi: :hug:

[alfredo]

33. Hang in there

[DesertDiamond]

34. My condolences. Sad that the people who who are so upset that you are living by what Jesus taught

are probably also people who call themselves Christians. But though they have destroyed your building they cannot destroy your hearts and the truth that is in them. Keep up the good work!

[donquijoterocket]

35. police?

Though not a believer myself, and unlikely to become one,I'm most sorry to hear that a church which actually espouses and acts on christian principles should be subjected to this violence.I'd presume there will be an investigation of some sort either by the local police or the State Fire Marshal's office.I'd hope none of them just blow you off because of your inclusiveness but, unfortunately, I could see it happening.Were I to hazard a guess My money for perpetrator would be on some fux noise true believer like Adkisson the guy who shot up a Unitarian Universalist church in Tennessee working from a Fux noise blueprint.Ordinarily I'd not jump to such conclusions but with network sponsored provocateurs like Glennda the Beckerhead inciting some of the less firm-minded in our society I have to entertain the possibility. I hope most of the the property was insured and from your description would be confident that your mission will not falter and that you'll be running full-speed again very soon.

[patrice]

36. Kevin has it right: he and his family and friends ARE The Church.

[eagertolearn]

38. Thanks for being so tolerant in an intolerant world. I hope you rebuild and that it

continues on this mission. Many people who call themselves "religious" are more cult like and follow their leaders intolerant views (who are following their leaders). The catholic church is a good example of this (at least in out town the guy we have was very against Obama from what I heard). Its rare to find a "real" church like yours and a unitarian church. What a great daughter you are raising.

[vduhr]

39. I read somewhere that the meaning of 'church' in the bible

is actually not a building, but a group of people brought together to worship. I am so sorry that your building and its contents are gone, but glad that your 'church' still remains. Keep up the good work, we need people on the good side of religion - seems too many are following the dark side lately.

[geckosfeet]

40. Condolences for the loss of your church building. It sounds though,

that the essence and spirituality of your church survives and is prospering.

Congratulations and thank you for the all the good works that your group does.

[defendandprotect]

41. Violence is the only way the right wing can destroy intelligence and compassion . . .

it's the only way the right wing can rise --

What you are doing sounds wonderful and hope you can get things back

together -- you still have land for gardening.

Any kind of structure will work ---

[BReisen]

42. Please be strong!

The Church is you and the other people in your Community. The building is the place where you (the Church) met. I know that doesn't make the loss of the memories and the place any easier to take. Your Church is so obviously Christ and people centered, that I feel strongly that you will rebuild the place - better than ever - while also gaining strength as a community. And the work you do is important and blessed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Church as you rebuild!

[Kajsa]

44. This is horrible!

I am so sorry for the loss of your church.
:(

You will rebuild, the church is within its members
and you have a great group of people there.

I am keeping all of you in my prayers and thoughts.

Against stupidity even the gods must fight.
-literal translation of an old Nordic adage.

"Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values
and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false
and the false with the true."

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963.

:hug: :grouphug:

[Liberal_in_LA]

45. K&R

[SargeUNN]

46. Don't Know how much it will help but ...

I am planning on mentioning this on my radio show tonight. I don't know if it will get any donations, but at least it will get the story out there and make more people aware of these sick people who do such hideous things. Good luck and if I can be of any help contact me and I will do anything I can to help.

[Kajsa]

47. That will help immensely, Sarge!

Getting the word out there is key
to fighting this hate and insanity.

Thanks so much!

:) :pals:

[Hekate]

54. The DailyKos article has a link to the church website

http://www.servant-savior.org/

[flvegan]

48. No, your church building was burned by a terrorist last night.

If your church activities for the GLBT community and people living with AIDS were the motivation, your church was struck by a terrorist.

[nytemare]

49. I imagine this person watches a whole heap of Glenn Beck.

When does his bantering become yelling fire in a crowded theater?

[MadMaddie]

73. When an individual is actually killed! That is when these

incitements will be taken seriously.

The religious right in this country are the Taliban. Let's quit being nice about it, they want to harm others that don't expouse their beliefs.

[blue sky at night]

50. your story proves the old adage...

It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all...what you have in your life is so much more important than just a building. I only wish the folks that are un-churched could have a small taste of what you know, maybe they would let down their defenses and find a way to serve others by joining a group of like minded folks at a local church! You really don't have to believe anything about "god" to find satisfaction in serving. Bless you and your congregation, you are the body of Christ in the World and we know what happens to folks like that at times! Keep on keeping on and don't change a thing that you do! To everyone on DU, don't let the HATE stop a thing you do either, the haters can burn and break and even kill but they will not "win" in the end.

[Hekate]

51. FourScore, that made me cry, as it did a lot of people here. But Kevin Murph is not you, am I right?

I only ask because my first impulse was to want to ask how could I donate to help rebuild -- and naturally several folks in this thread already asked the same thing, and they are all assuming that FourScore=Kevin Murphy, when you may just be reposting without quotation marks. Your personal Profile here says you live in Ithaca, NY.

Give us a heads-up -- SargeUNN is already planning to give the story a mention on his radio show tonight, and I hope he's doing his research with the Houstonites as I write this (or has already, obviously our time zone are different).

Regardless, bless you for posting this here. If you are the dkos author, my deepest condolences on your loss, with hopes for the future of your church. If you're not --you did a wonderful thing by reposting here among sympathetic folks, but please clarify. (And if you're still in Ithaca -- my sis and her hubby moved there last year and are at the UU church :-) They love Ithaca.)

Hekate

[SargeUNN]

52. I went and saw the ABC story on this mess

I don't care if the poster is the one who wrote the article or not, the act did take place and the event is documented. The fact it happened is the story to me not the one who posted it. As for donations, I hope the church will post something on this in time and hopefully they had insurance that will rebuild the buildings.

[Hekate]

59. Thank you Sarge. I don't mean to diminish our DUer's sincere efforts to get the word out

It's just as I said, so many instantly decided that our DUer was one and the same as the church member who posted at DKos and they were ready to donate to him. He didn't come back to clarify, so I thought I'd ask him and follow a few links before whipping out my checkbook or credit card.

I'm not a journalist, just a researcher with a bug for accuracy even though this story does make me cry.

Bless you for your efforts, too. Our homegrown Brown Shirts have died their garments in tea from the Teabagger Party, shirts made from sheets left over from their grandpa's KKK costumes. They have been emboldened in ever-more-heinous acts. But let the sun shine on them with publicity such as you can provide and they will scurry like cockroaches.

Hekate

[Enthusiast]

53. I'm very sorry to hear this.

I guess you guys were too inclusive and Jesus-like in the love for your fellow man.

[glinda]

57. I hope some "angels" step in to help you folks. Sorry this has happened to you.

[GreenPartyVoter]

58. Horrible!! WHy some people think they have the right to do something like that is beyond me.

I wonder if, as others are saying, the arsonist listens to Glenn Beck.

[feslen]

61. sorry about your church --your faith will prevail!

I dislike facists like Beck and those who wish to burn down the trueness of real religion. They strike against trueness because they fear your faith, strength and just heart. You will rebuild, have faith.

[Richd506]

62. K & R

[ClutchCargo1957]

63. Good For you! They can't burn the air!

Praying outside in charred rubble won't stop you and it shouldn't! I hope the Goons who did this will be watching from around the corner and see that what they did will not hinder you from worshipping your all inclusive God!

[myrna minx]

64. K&R n/t

[struggle4progress]

65. ... A section of a wall fell on an electrical worker who was cutting off power to the building,

injuring his leg ...
Fire reduces church to pile of ash, wood, brick
Arson blamed for blaze in S.E. Houston
By MIKE GLENN
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
April 9, 2010, 10:39PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6952514.html

[rurallib]

66. One thing that will stop this is if it starts costing them money

When they catch the person and I have no doubt they will, upon conviction all his money and possessions need to go to rebuilding the church.
Then if any group is implicated, they need to be enjoined to pay for reconstruction also.

[Irishonly]

68. I am so sorry

I have forwarded your story to my pastor. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

[liquid diamond]

69. I'm sorry to hear about this.

[AnneD]

70. There was good media coverage on this...

the Heights has been fighting an arsonist. It is hard to say if it is a hate crime or arson. We will know soon enough. Sorry for the hardship for your church-from one progressive Christian to another.

[The Wizard]

71. Domestic terrorism (NT)

[rasputin1952]

72. Most would be angry...

but this shows me that they have spirit that should be emulated. From what I read, this man knows the meaning of what he believes in. Rather than condemn, he asks that others come by to sing...some people "get it"...:)

[loweforcongress]

74. sad

Such violence only convicts those who wield it. Sorry you had to experience that.

[efhmc]

75. Horrible to hear.

I loved my years in Houston, mostly because of the diversity of people and viewpoints. I am so sadden to hear about your church. Evil seems to part of our lives these days, even in communities that are mainly good. I hope and pray that the good people of your church and your community will help you to get through this tragedy and will help you to rebuild your church and be even stronger that you were before. God/Goddess bless you all.

[mmonk]

76. Don't let them get you down. All your members will stay strong.

[Hekate]

77. LINK FOR DONATIONS IS UP

http://servant-savior.org/donations/2010/04/10/link-for-donations/


:grouphug: O8) :grouphug: O8) :grouphug: O8) :grouphug: O8)

Hekate

[KonaKane]

78. I hope those who bash religion here every day will take notice

And realize there are good people who stand exposed to this type of small minded violence every day.

Bless you, I know you'll rebuild.