UPDATE 3/21/2025: IMPD detectives arrested two juveniles for their alleged roles in the vandalism of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
“I am grateful to our detectives and officers who solved this case so quickly and to the church members and community members who assisted with the investigation,” Southwest District Commander Pilkington said. “This arrest demonstrates our commitment to justice and sends a clear message that acts of vandalism and hate will not be tolerated in our city. This is not just about repairing physical damage; it’s about restoring a sense of safety and respect within our community.”
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decisions. An arrest and a charge are merely accusations, all individuals should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
IMPD will hold a community vigil at the church at 6 p.m. on March 21 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Chuch.
Oringlal story: Reports from community members state Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has been vandalized.
In a Facebook live video posted on social media on March 18, the church’s front doors, bus and walkway defaced with graffiti containg offensive language.
Many of the phrases seen spraypainted onto the church are derogortory remarks, including “die” and “(explitive) the Lord.”
The phrases “satan Lives” and “666” are also seen plastered on the church’s property.
A bus in the church’s parking lot had severe visible damage, including a broken window.
IMPD can be seen on the scene in the video.
The church, located at 1600 North Goodlet Avenue on the city’s west side, was founded in 1917.
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Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
