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The exterior entrance to the First Congregational Church of Winter Park on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Juno Le<\/p>\n
A sign that read “Everyone Is Welcome Here” was burned outside the doors of the First Congregational Church of Winter Park,\u00a0according to a post<\/a> made on the church\u2019s Facebook account Sunday.<\/p>\n The post stated that the event occurred last week, with no date specified. However, local outlet News 6 reported that church leaders said that the event happened on Jan. 20.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis act of hate and attempted arson was the result of our church, simply showing through our words and actions that we love and accept everyone,\u201d the post read.\u00a0<\/p>\n The empty banner frame where the “Everyone is Welcome Here” sign was originally posted outside of the First Congregational Church of Winter Park on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n Juno Le<\/p>\n The First Congregational Church of Winter Park is part of the United Church of Christ, a Protestant Christian denomination. The church’s mission, according to its website<\/a>, is: \u201cUnited in spirit and inspired by God\u2019s grace, we welcome all, love all and seek justice for all.”<\/p>\n The church held its 10 a.m. service as normal on Sunday.<\/p>\n \u201cThis morning, our community will continue to proudly join together through those doors and online continuing to be inclusive and loving,\u201d the post said.<\/p>\n Rep. Anna Eskamani, Florida house representative and UCF alumna, attended Sunday\u2019s service in support of the church, according to News 6, citing the effect of the incident.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can force you to rethink, should I go to church today? Am I going to be safe going to church today?\u201d Eskamani told\u00a0News 6<\/a>. \u201cShowing up is really important to let folks know that you\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Defacing, injuring or damaging any piece of religious property is considered a third-degree felony<\/a> according to Florida Statute 806, Section 13, which is punishable as provided in statutes s.775.082<\/a>, s.775.083<\/a>\u00a0and s.775.084<\/a>\u00a0if the property damage was more than $200.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Winter Park Police Department released a photograph of a possible suspect Tuesday\u00a0after obtaining footage from security cameras set up at the church.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n