Updated: Pilsen Church Hit With Racist Vandalism For 6th Time In Recent Months

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 3, 2016 9:34PM

Vandalism at Lincoln United Methodist Church / Facebook

Update, 10/6:
Police have arrested a 60-year-old Pilsen man after an image from security video was circulated to the public. Police could not confirm with Chicagoist whether or not the offender faces multiple counts, as charges are still pending. Pastor Lozano posted on Facebook about the arrest and thanked community members and parishioners.

Original:
For what is allegedly the sixth time in recent months, a Pilsen church has been the target of racist vandalism. Pastor Emma Lozano of the Lincoln United Methodist Church posted on Sunday evening images of graffiti scrawled across the church door. The hateful messages appear to read “Burn Kill” and "Real Power” written underneath drawn swastikas.

The church was previously vandalized in July and in March with similar racist tags. Lozano previously speculated that attacks may have been in retaliation to pro-immigrant remarks made by Rev. Jesse Jackson at the church this spring along with a general wave of anti-Mexican backlash due to presidential candidate's Donald Trump's rhetoric.

"This poor humble mostly Latino immigrant and refugee church has served as a sanctuary for those under attack oppressed and with out a voice," wrote Lozano on Facebook on Sunday. Her full post can be read below. (Note: the Facebook post appears to include documentation of earlier graffiti—the "Rape Mexico" slur was written in March—as well as the most recent.)

Leadership of the Northern Illinois District of the United Methodist Church is currently at a conference and not available for comment, according to Marva Andrews, of the Bishop's Office. Chicagoist has also reached out to Pastor Lozano; and this post will be updated as necessary.