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Signs popping up on Indy's north side offer message of inclusion, acceptance to all

Posted at 3:19 AM, Mar 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-24 08:31:53-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- A series of yard signs popping up on Indianapolis’ north side are drawing attention because of their message of acceptance.

The signs all have “No matter where you’re from; we’re glad you’re our neighbor” written on them in three languages.

Fairview Presbyterian Church Pastor Shawn Coons aid the signs are a way to spread the church’s message outside of their Sunday sermons.

Pastor Shawn Coons – Fairview Presbyterian Church

"It's an important message to get out, to be welcoming,” said Coons. “It's a very Christian message that no matter where you're from, we're glad you're our neighbor, and it's a very timely message as a lot of our members want to make a public witness of being welcoming and being supportive of all sorts of people."

It’s the same message that recently thrust former Indianapolis Archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, into the national spotlight when he stood up for a man facing deportation in New Jersey.

“I think there are several roles that churches can play,” said Coons. “There are the politics and the effects any legislation is doing right now, and that can be decided by politicians, but then there’s the climate and the rhetoric of what’s being talked about and how we’re talking about other people. How we're talking about immigrants and refugees and neighbors and people who disagree with you, and I think the church has a lot to say about acting out of compassion, acting out of love, not acting out of fear."

Coons said the response has been great. They currently have over 50 signs throughout the north side neighborhoods, and they’ve already had to put in a second order for more signs.

“We’ve gotten nothing but positives about the signs,” said Coons. “It’s great we’re able to do something like that and help other people state their welcome very publicly.