Fury as vandals scrawl seven-letter slur across California church that invites gay people inside

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A southern California church known for inviting gay people inside at times when others closed their doors has been vandalized with a homophobic slur.

It happened at the episcopal church St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hollywood where someone scrawled f***** across the sign outside the church.

Images of the attack were posted on social media on Wednesday, showing the hurtful message written in marker on the sign above the advertisement for Sunday Mass at 8 am and 10:30 am.

St. Thomas is one of the most open churches for the LGBTQ+ community in the city, and is legendary for welcoming gay people during the height of the AIDS epidemic, WeHo online reported.

Lead in the 80s by Rev. Carroll Barbour, the church was a place of sanctuary and peace not only for people dealing with HIV and AIDS but for those who lost loved ones from the fatal illness.

Barbour, who lost his own son John to AIDS, stood over three to four funerals a week and visited with hundreds of sick parishioners during that time, the outlet reported.

Inside the church today is Saint Damien’s Chapel where a copy of the AIDS Memorial Book holds the names of 15,000 of people who died from the disease.

Pictures on the church’s Instagram show their booth at this year’s West Hollywood pride celebration.

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“We had an incredible time at weho pride this year! Had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, offer prayers, share what we love about Saint Thomas and our belief that we are all made in the image of a God who loves everyone just the way they are!” a caption with the post read, that included a rainbow and a heart.

“To everyone we met, we hope you’ll come by and visit us some time!”

Many of the comments online about the vandalism pointed to the irony of the attack on this specific place of worship.

“St. Thomas is the most welcoming place, but also one of great tradition. A true gem that has helped me immensely,” one person wrote.

“It is a shame this happened, but hopefully whoever did it realizes, eventually learns from their mistake, and is someone we can welcome back to show how welcoming STAH is.”

“I dare say that this “F” bomb (sort-a-speak) is similar to those that come from our leaders now-a-days, slurs from ignorance and hate and fear for effect,” another person added.

“I hope the horrible word will get removed very soon, perhaps it’s already gone, but its intended effect truly backfired. “

It is unclear if the vandalism has been removed. The California Post reached out to the church for further comment.