Rev. B.G. Stumberg doesn't think that gay and lesbian marriages should be recognized by law and he emphasizes that, in a free country, it's his right to hold that belief.

However, since he shared his opinions on CI-96 with the media recently, he's learned that not everyone agrees with that philosophy -- and his parish at the Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church paid the price for that.

On Tuesday, Stumberg arrived at the church to find that vandals had spray-painted several phrases on the walls of the church and a bus belonging to the parish.

They read, "Satan Killer" and "Your evil" (sic).

Stumberg added that he has received several pieces of hate mail since he aired his opinions, and political signs endorsing CI-96 have been stolen from his home in addition to those of his parishioners.

"I've never had a piece of hate mail or vandalism to church property like this," he said, explaining that he believes a direct correlation exists between his comments in the newspaper and the vandalism.

According to Stumberg, neither he nor the members of his church dislike homosexuals. In fact, gays and lesbians are more than welcome at the Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church.

Stumberg says he doesn't agree with their way of life, but he doesn't agree with the choices of adulterers or drunkards either.

"You go right down the line of sins and I've got them in my church," he said. "We try to help them change their lifestyle."

Stumberg said members of his parish attempt to extend the love of Christ to everyone with whom they come into contact -- even people who don't agree with their opinions on issues.

If you have any information about this crime, contact Crimestoppers at 443-2000.