Santa Monica Church Vandalized, Community Rallies

Homophobic graffiti hits progressive congregation, leaders plan mural expansion and healing events

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Church in Ocean Park in Santa Monica awoke to homophobic graffiti on its entryway and exterior walls, an act that leaders described as a pointed attempt to intimidate the city's LGBTQ community. Congregants quickly covered the slurs and pledged to respond with more art, repairs, and community events rather than retreat, as city officials condemned the vandalism.

Why it matters

The Church in Ocean Park has a decades-long reputation as a progressive community hub, hosting LGBTQ events and programs. The vandalism represents an attack on the church's inclusive mission and the broader LGBTQ community in Santa Monica.

The details

Church leaders discovered the damage Friday morning and immediately moved to cover the words while they organized cleanup and a broader response. The congregation is considering extending the existing rainbow mural that frames the entryway to wrap around the entire building. Leaders launched an online fundraiser to pay for repainting, programming, and support for those affected by the attack.

  • The vandalism occurred on Friday morning.
  • The church had recently received a threatening email, suggesting the act may not have been random.

The players

The Church in Ocean Park

A progressive community hub in Santa Monica that hosts LGBTQ events and programs.

Rev. Janet Gollery McKeithen

The pastor of The Church in Ocean Park who has officiated same-sex marriages since 2008.

Dan Hall

A Santa Monica City Councilmember who condemned the vandalism as an attempt to intimidate the LGBTQ community.

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What they’re saying

“We are not intimidated by cowards who destroy beauty in the middle of the night.”

— Rev. Janet Gollery McKeithen, Pastor (Santa Monica Daily Press)

“This was an attempt to intimidate, to divide, and to push LGBTQ+ people back into the shadows.”

— Dan Hall, Santa Monica City Councilmember (Santa Monica Daily Press)

What’s next

Leaders at the Church in Ocean Park are asking for donations to help pay for repainting, community programming, and safety measures. The congregation is also considering expanding its existing rainbow mural to wrap around the entire building.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ-affirming institutions, even in progressive communities like Santa Monica. The church's resolute response, focused on art, healing, and community, demonstrates the power of inclusive spaces to overcome acts of hate.