Church in Chicago’s Pilsen Neighborhood Vandalized with Swastika and ‘RAPE MEXICO’

Mar 30, 2016
8:47 AM
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Photo from Lincoln United Methodist Church

Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago was vandalized this week with racist remarks against Mexicans, as reported by several local outlets. Reverend Emma Lozano was alerted that a swastika and the words “Rape Mexico” had been drawn on the front door of the church. The pastor called on her congregation and the community surrounding her church in Pilsen to be “on the alert.”

Some groups are determined to send us a message. Of course, we will in no way be intimidated – but we will inform our community and we will remain alert.”

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Photo from Lincoln United Methodist Church

The racist markings followed media coverage of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Easter sermon to the Methodist church’s largely Latino congregation. Rev. Jackson was surrounded by families fighting deportation orders.

Pastor Lozano also commented that “the church had received threatening phone calls on recent occasions when Congressman [Luis] Gutierrez spoke to the congregation.” Reports made by congressional staff resulted in the FBI tracking down the callers.

Lozano told local media: “I know that we think these white power advocates are only in other communities but we should be aware that the wave of racism across the nation, evident in large crowds at Trump and Cruz rallies, is emboldening those who would carry out acts of terror to sneak into our communities under cover of darkness.”