“Jesus is coming” despite rationalizations to the contrary is a threatening statement. It has been used in the past to imply the end is near including the final judgment. While this may not have the more immediate impact of an inverted swastika on a synagogue or a burning cross on the lawn of a non-caucasian homeowner the threat is still there.

The “Out Campaign” is trying to encourage atheists and non-believers to fight past the fear of reprisal. Atheists can experience varying degrees of discrimination from financial loss up to bodily harm for our beliefs(or lack thereof). Fortunately vandalism is likely the worst we can expect in Edmonton, there are places where death is a consequence of voicing ourselves (just ask Ayaan Hirsi Ali).

Some of you have expressed that “Hate Crime” may not be the correct term, but considering the intent was to invoke harm in the form of fear against a targeted group the definition fits.

Keep the banner up and put up a sign near it saying something like:

Is vandalism an example of Christian love? Please come talk with us. Let’s come to understand each other.

Re-attach the email and website info and propose a time and place for dialogue. Graciously invite the various theist groups. Stress that any group is subject to such mistreatment as long as it is permissible to mistreat one. Provide refreshments and be a good host.

Your group can be a force for positivism, tolerance and rationality.

Ian-
If you set up a PayPal account for donations, I’d be happy to make a small contribution towards a new sign. I’m sure I’m not alone.

You and so many others have nailed it on the head. There is no love in what has been done.

Instead of showing God’s love, which somehow these people thought they were doing; what they have really done is portray God as intolerant and hateful.

I write as a Christian, who does believe in God. I also believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The biblical text makes it clear that when Jesus Christ, who we as Christians describe as “God in flesh,” walked upon this earth He was not disrespectful or intolerant toward those who did not process to know God. Instead, he reserved his harshest criticism for those who claimed to know him (the religious).