New Rainbow Doors Unveiled at Interfaith Gathering in Manhattan Beach
Sep 23, 2024 09:56PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
(Left to right: Hildy Stern of Congregation Tikvat Jacob and the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate, Deacons Patty and Dick Williams of American Martyrs, Rev. Josh Yee of St. Luke's Presbyterian, Rev. Douglas Barclay of Trinity Lutheran, Rev. Rachel Anne Nyback of St. Cross Episcopal, and Rabbi Rebecca Yussman of Temple Menorah.)
Community members and local faith organizations gathered on Sunday to dedicate new rainbow doors, replacing the ones that had been vandalized at Manhattan Beach Community Church (MBCC) back in July.
When the vandalism at MBCC occurred, "Hate speech
was carved into the doors, but it felt like their hate was carved into
our hearts," said Rev. Mike Spitters of MBCC.
However,
Spitters added, "We choose to respond to hate with love by embodying
welcome and solidarity, offering inspiration and support, engaging
commitment with a bias toward action, and demonstrating that the faith
community has a significant role to play in supporting and bringing the
LGBTQ+ community together with dedicated allies."
Participants joined in a blessing of the doors that began with, "We come together in love, solidarity, and support to consecrate these rainbow doors as a symbol of welcome to all."
The doors will soon be on display once again in front of the church on Peck Avenue.
Event Included Faith, Community Leaders
Sunday's event featured a panel with representatives from American Martyrs, Congregation Tikvat Jacob, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan Beach; as well as representatives from St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach, Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach, and St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Rolling Hills Estates.
Led by former Manhattan Beach Mayor and Congregation Tikvat Jacob member Hildy Stern, panelists discussed the importance of religious communities showing respect for the dignity of every individual.
Hearing the words of religious leaders on the panel, Stern said that she felt hopeful for the future. "We have work to do, but we're headed in the right direction with this kind of leadership," she said.
The event also featured performances by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles; Kathryn Davis, board member of PFLAG Manhattan Beach; and Justin Randolph, co-owner of Sol Seek Yoga.
Also on hand were community leaders including Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin, Manhattan Beach Councilmember David Lesser, former Manhattan Beach Mayor Hildy Stern, Single Mom Project Founder Janet Jones, West Basin Municipal Water District board member Scott Houston, Beach Cities Health District board member Vanessa Poster, and City Council candidates Joe Marcy and Brenda O'Leary.
Houston, currently one of the only openly gay elected officials in the South Bay, told the group, "We should not be intimidated for doing the right thing, for leading by example. It's up to each of us to do our part. It is our diversity that makes us strong as we united in common cause."
Sunday's event was one in a series of events planned around United Against Hate Week. A food drive, benefiting the Single Mom Project and Richstone Family Center, is running all week at the downtown Manhattan Beach Fire Department and at the MBUSD school administration offices. (See schedule here.)
Doors Had Been Destroyed by Vandals
The original rainbow doors had been displayed in a prominent spot along Peck Avenue in front
of the church throughout Pride Month (June), and were still set out when
the vandalism occurred in early July.
After viewing security tapes, Spitters told MBNews that young kids pulled up in what appeared to be a black SUV, and there appeared to be
several boys involved in the vandalism.
Damage was so extensive to the doors that the doors needed to be cut up and thrown out.
This incident remains under investigation. The Manhattan Beach Police Department has asked anyone who may have information about this crime to contact Detective Udeoji at (310) 802-5121 or to email [email protected].
This incident remains under investigation. The Manhattan Beach Police Department has asked anyone who may have information about this crime to contact Detective Udeoji at (310) 802-5121 or to email [email protected].
Contributions toward the new doors were made by Rev. Douglas Barclay and Trinity Lutheran Church, Carol and Gary Segal, and Donald and Jean Whitcomb.
