Pastor Emma Lozano said her church, Lincoln UMC in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, was the victim of vandalism again and police are treating this latest case as a hate crime. On Oct 15, a man who was attempting to enter the locked church reportedly kicked the glass front door shattering it before fleeing and shouting racial slurs, while giving the Nazi salute, witnesses said.

Lozano said the church has been on high alert and has kept the building's doors locked after a camera crew wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats appeared outside the church several weeks ago. She said the men were accusing her church of being associated with an organization in Mexico that helps caravans from Central America cross into the United States. Lozano has repeatedly said there is absolutely no relation.

“Evidently, a right-wing website mistakenly identified our organization that works to keep immigrant families together as the same organization in Mexico, which coincidentally at one time we used the same name," said Lozano in a 2018 statement adding that the false accusations were broadcast on Fox News and on the internet. "Obviously, we are concerned that our organization and church has been singled out for hate organizations to attack, listing addresses and leadership by name.”

This is not the first time Lincoln and its sister church Aldaberto UMC, which has provided sanctuary for two mothers facing deportation, have been targeted. “Our church has been graffitied with swastikas and known neo-Nazi activists have entered our church during Bible study to threaten the lives of those gathered there,” said Lozano.

On Monday, Oct. 21, Chicago Southern District Superintendent Rev. Jacques Conway attended a meeting at the church with Chicago Police commanders, the Alderman, representatives from the Mayor's office and other community groups. Conway said they talked about ways to address the recent vandalism and ongoing threats. The Chicago Southern District also took up an offering of $500 during a recent Sunday evening worship service to help support Lincoln, which may be used for security.

Bishop Sally Dyck encourages churches across the Conference to continue to be in prayer and support of Lincoln UMC. "Our religious conviction calls us to speak against these actions of racism, violence and white supremacy. These incidents challenge all of us to love our neighbors and work for their wellbeing as well as for fair and comprehensive immigration reform in our country,” she said. “Let us all continue to be vigilant and supportive in the midst of these incidents of violence. Let us stand with our neighbors who live among us as our brothers and sisters.”

Conway said he is working on a gathering of interfaith leaders soon to show continued support of Lincoln UMC’s congregation and raise awareness of what’s happening.

No arrests have been made yet in the latest attack at Lincoln. Police said they're looking for a white man about 30-35 years old, approximately 6-foot, 5-inches tall and 180 pounds with short brown hair. He was seen walking with a medium-size white dog at the time of the incident. Read more.