A sign outside a church welcoming the LGBT community has been stolen four times in the two years since it was erected.

St Edward’s Church in Burgess Hill fixed the sign onto the entrance to the church two years ago.

The sign, which reads “we love, welcome and affirm the LGBTQIA+ community here”, is designed by Inclusive Church, a charitable organisation which advocates for the full inclusion of all people regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation in the Christian churches – particularly the Church of England.

“The sign is about saying we’re welcome to everyone playing a full part in the life of the church,” said Rev Jules Middleton.

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“Within that we have been very vocal about sexuality. There are some people in the church who would say it’s not godly to be a gay, we don’t believe that.

“Because so many people have been hurt or prejudiced, we feel it’s important to be vocal and say, ‘God loves you’.

“We were inspired by another church which had a sign outside so we got a sign as cheaply as we could. We had three printed because we knew other churches which had signs stolen.”

After the sign was erected two years ago, it was quickly stolen and replaced by the three spare signs which were in turn also stolen.

“We don’t know who is doing it but we’re assuming it’s someone who doesn’t agree with our stance,” Rev Middleton said.

“We have reported it to the police each time as a hate crime.

“We won’t be beaten by this, if someone wants to be petty and steal it, we will use it as a reason to be vocal each time.”

The church is now fundraising to erect a metal sign which will be more difficult to remove.

Rev Middleton has been “overwhelmed” by the response to her call out, with more than £400 donated so far.

“That has been so encouraging; we’ve had really good feedback,” she said.

“We’re going to make sure the sign is even more inclusive so that people feel able to be part of church.

“Of course, it’s frustrating and disappointing but I don’t think it’s helpful to get angry about this; we want to make sure we’re super positive. We’re going to choose love.”