JAMAICA PLAIN, Mass — Layers of paint essentially erased the homophobic graffiti applied last week to the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain. The words may be gone -- but they certainly aren’t forgotten.
“I worry very much that there has been an increase in hate throughout the land,” said Rabbi Victor Reinstein of the Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue, also in Jamaica Plain. “It’s a very frightening reality and I think we have to address it on many levels.”
Reinstein was one of several church visitors attending the first Sunday service since First Baptist was vandalized last Thursday. He was joined by Sherry Grossman and Allen Spivack, who have lived in Jamaica Plain for 50 years.
“It’s always a big deal when something like this happens,” Spivack said. “And we’re not just going to stand by -- we’re going to support each other.”
The service featured upbeat music, clapping and hardly a sign the violation had its intended effect.
“As I read the words on the wall my heart sank,” said Pastor Ben Herrmann, who is transgender. “(But) All I could think in the last several days was, God loves us so much.”
“Goodness always triumphs over hate and meanness,” said Administrative Pastor Darrell Hamilton. “Life and love always triumphs over darkness and that’s the takeaway for the day.”
Thus far, no one has been arrested for the vandalism, but Boston Police are investigating.
Sherry Grossman hopes someone will be held accountable.
“To spread hate is the opposite of what we need now,” said Grossman. “We need the love and the support and the joy of being together.”
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