The Riverside Church at Park and King said its Pride flag was found torn down on Oct. 20, staked into the ground with a cross, and covered in red paint.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Riverside Church at Park & King is responding with even more pride after it says the rainbow flag hanging on its property was vandalized. A church leader calls it an act of defiance, but with love.

Assistant Pastor John Turner said the church’s motto is “all means all.”

“The pastor will say that everybody is welcomed, and all means all,” Turner said. “The congregation will respond by saying all means all.”

The motto is reflected throughout Riverside Church at Park & King, which describes itself as an inclusive, progressive Baptist church that accepts everyone regardless of their sexuality or race. 

But recently, the church’s property was vandalized.


“We had a big pride flag up; the flag was ripped off the two stands. A cross was staked to it with red paint and a note with typical verses against homosexuality,” Turner told First Coast News. The verses written on the cross were from Corinthians, Romans, and Genesis.

“Instead of being angry, we should have a spirit of forgiveness and hope that this person can have a dialogue,” Turner said. “Maybe not come to an agreement, but a dialogue together as to what the differences are in any faith-based religion.”

We also reached out to the lead pastor, Adam Gray. While he was unavailable for comment, he did release a statement regarding the incident, saying in part:

“As we move forward, we invite our community-neighbors, friends, and partners to join us in that work of love and justice. Hate may make a mess for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Pastor Gray also told First Coast News that a police report was filed with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the case is classified as “criminal mischief”.

Now, two brand new flags fly in front of Riverside Church at Park & King. 

Turner described the decision to hang them as “one of support for the community, but also, it’s an act of defiance as well.”

“We should respond in a Christian way; we should respond with forgiveness and hope this person is touched by the holy spirit.”

Those affiliated with the church have said they still feel safe and will keep the doors of the church open for all who want to come.