Homophobia Suspected In Church Fire

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/NewsContent/082803churchArson.htm

The FBI has entered the investigation into an arson fire at a gay-welcoming church in Makiki. The blaze at the First Christian Church this week could be linked to the church's opposition to last month's Family Day (story) which excluded gays fire department officials say.

Rev. Vaughn Beckman, the church's openly gay pastor, has been highly critical of the event which was sponsored by the city.

The early morning fire did about $150,000 damage to the church. The blaze was reported at 4:39 a.m. and confined to the bottom-floor fellowship hall. Fire officials say the fire appeared suspicious and believe it may have been a hate-crime.