Threat painted on Minneapolis church known for gay, lesbian ministry

Minneapolis police are still looking for those responsible for spray painting a threatening message on an outside wall of a south Minneapolis church, but they have now classified the incident as a bias crime, said Sgt. Tammy Diedrich.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: October 11, 2007 - 11:33 AM

A police supervisor and a forensic photographer have collected enough information from God's Children Metropolitan Church to determine that graffiti at the scene was likely left by somebody with a bias against the church. Police did not elaborate.

The church at 31st Street and Park Avenue is known for its ministry to gays and lesbians.

An employee who opened the doors before Sunday services at All God's Children Metropolitan Church found "Slay the Priest" and a pentagram sprayed on the west wall of the church, police said.

The church had no surveillance cameras outside the building, and police have no suspects in custody.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 612-348-2345.

Tim Harlow • harlow@startribune.com