Arson hits Ohio church after threats over support for gay people

Associated Press

SOUTH BLOOMINGVILLE, Ohio

The pastor of a southeast Ohio church destroyed by an arsonist thinks the fire is related to the congregation’s support for gays and lesbians.

Investigators have ruled that the fire discovered early Friday was intentionally set.

The Rev. Scott Davis of South Bloomingville Christian Church says they’ve received threats in the past. He says he thinks the church was a target of hate crime because it welcomes gay, lesbian and transgender worshippers.

Davis bought the church near Hocking Hills State Park two years ago and opened it for services in 2011.

He’s vowing to rebuild the church.