Community Responds to Vandalism at St. Paul's
Last Sunday’s service at St. Paul’s Tabernacle Church in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood focused on the subject of “forgiveness.” The service was the first of many positive responses to a negative incident that is helping define Bayview itself: a diverse neighborhood that insists on justice in the face of challenges and change.
Neighbors of the church on Oakdale Avenue, who had been anticipating the completion of a renovation to the building, saw police investigators gathered there on Friday after vandals broke in and caused extensive damage.
The vandals broke down doors, spray-painted epithets on the walls in the sanctuary and church office, poured bleach on each of the pews and on the carpet, punched holes into the walls, and shattered two large mirrors.
St. Paul’s Tabernacle is a predominantly black church, and part of a vibrant faith community in Bayview. As nothing was stolen, police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Supervisor Malia Cohen posted a statement on her Facebook page:
I am disappointed and saddened by the hateful act of vandalism perpetrated last Friday at St. Paul’s Tabernacle Baptist Church on Oakdale Avenue. Hatred and prejudice have no place in our communities and we will not tolerate this behavior.
Members of the local community and broader faith community are responding to the incident:
Tomorrow, a weekly event at Butchertown Gourmet will include a request for donations for the church.
A “work party” at the church (1789 Oakdale Avenue, San Francisco) is being organized for September 12th at 10 am.
A national anti-racism organization has been set up at:
https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/we-stand-with-st-pauls-tabernacle-baptist-church
Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident call their anonymous tip line at 415.575.4444, text a tip to TIP411 with “SFPD” at the beginning of the message, or contact investigators directly at 415.553.1133.
The San Francisco Interfaith Council is collaborating with the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Islamic Network Group to offer support to St. Paul’s.