'When leaders show that visibility and that solidarity,' she said, it shows the community that 'these things don't fly.'īechtold noted that the church does have some members who are hesitant to support the LGBTQ community. She highlighted the importance of the church and other organizations demonstrating allyship to dissuade further acts of vandalism. Heath has been regularly communicating with the Sparta church, who told her that Sparta Police have been 'overwhelmingly' helpful during the ongoing investigation. 'There's always that sad question of: are we safe, and can we even be safe in our own church? And I feel that too,' he said. While the flag burnings have strengthened the bond among many in the church, Bechtold said he is still concerned for those being targeted - particularly younger members who tend to be more vulnerable.