Hate Crime Committed Against Pastor, Church: Milford Police

MILFORD, CT — A Nashville, Tennessee man is accused of causing damage to a Milford church because he believed the church and its pastor were "supporting and pushing the LGBT agenda," Milford Police say.

At 1 p.m. Monday, police responded to Mary Taylor Church, 176 Broad Street, on a possible burglary report.

"Through fast acting and in-depth investigation, officers were able to develop and locate a suspect ... who was taken into custody... While being interviewed, (the suspect) had stated he entered the building and damaged the office door because he felt the pastor, and the church as a whole, were supporting and pushing the LGBT agenda," Milford police said.

Charles Yarbrough, 30, of Nashville, TN is charged with hate crime, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. He was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

Mary Taylor Memorial UMC Rev. Kristina Hansen said, "This incident is unfortunate and saddening. It does not however dissuade us from our affirming stance. We stand firmly behind our Mission Statement: Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church is a community growing in God’s grace and love. We are committed to following Christ’s teaching and example by heeding his call to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, preach the good news, teach our children and youth, and visit the sick, homebound and imprisoned.

"We recognize and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and God’s gifts. As disciples of our Lord, we publicly acknowledge, welcome and support people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and gender identities, ages, nationalities, ethnicity, abilities and socio-economic situations. Our welcome knows no boundaries. Called by the Holy Spirit to share a ministry that reflects God’s love and justice, we embrace and honor all who participate in the ministries and leadership of our church."