Pride Flag Damaged Again At Arlington Heights Church: Police

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A rainbow gay pride flag, on display at an Arlington Heights church, was damaged on four separate occasions at the close of 2020, according to police. A symbol of pride and diversity of the LGBTQ community, the flag was damaged between the end of November and December at the First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

Police said the incidents all occurred during the overnight hours on various different days of the week.

Last summer, a Black Lives Matter banner at another Arlington Heights church — Lutheran Church of the Cross — was vandalized at least twice. The Arlington Heights Police Department is not connecting these events with the latest incidents at First United Methodist Church.

First United Methodist Church considers itself a "reconciling ministry" that seeks justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, according to its website.

"If you would like to join the movement of inclusion and love for all of God’s children and promote justice and inclusion for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, please register as a Reconciling United Methodist at rmnetwork.org/get-involved/join-us/," a message reads on the website.

Two LGBTQ events — "Let Love Color Our Community" and "Pride Parade In Lights" — are scheduled for later this month.

With regard to the flag incidents, if anyone has any information, they are asked to contact the Arlington Heights Police Department at 847-368-5300 or contact Crime Stoppers of Arlington Heights.

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