The head pastor of an Arizona church was forced to apologize after receiving complaints about how the church’s new cross lights up at night to resemble what some claim are Las Vegas strip lights.
Allan Fuller is the lead pastor of Mountain Park Christian Church in Ahwatukee, which is located just 20 minutes outside of Phoenix.
Fuller explained that he’s received several complaints about the flashing neon lights that appear on the five-story cross in front of the brand new church after it opened on October 1. The old location, which was five miles away, had to be demolished to make room for a freeway project.
The lead pastor said the lights on the new cross were turned on October 28 and said ‘it was flashing colors when we first plugged it in,’ CBS 5 reported.
The head pastor of Mountain Park Christian Church in Ahwatukee, Arizona was forced to apologize after receiving complaints about how the church’s new cross lights up at night to resemble what some claim are Las Vegas strip lights (above)
Pastor Allan Fuller (above) explained that he’s received several complaints about the flashing neon lights that appear on the five-story cross in front of the brand new church after it opened on October 1
Fuller said the staff at the church, which falls under the ‘Church of God’ movement, worked to fix ‘the kinks’ with the lights.
‘We did not have control over the colors or how it was going to work for a few days,’ he told the TV station.
‘There was a window where we were short-term Vegas. It was just a small window of Vegas.’
He said that last week his staff fixed it to where the cross just displays purple lights.
‘Our hope is that with a more subtle use of the light, that more can enjoy the look rather than be bothered by it,’ he said.
‘The design of the tower was so the light shined south and east (toward the Interstate 10 and Loop 202) and not to all the people are north and west.
Fuller said the staff at the church, which falls under the ‘Church of God’ movement, worked to fix ‘the kinks’ with the lights and it now displays the solid color of purple instead of flashing
He said: ‘The design of the tower was so the light shined south and east (toward the Interstate 10 and Loop 202) and not to all the people are north and west. We were intentional. We don’t want to bother you in your homes.’
‘We were intentional. We don’t want to bother you in your homes.’
But still, some have complained to the pastor that the lights and display are ‘too obnoxious’ and resemble something from the Las Vegas strip.
‘We want to be a symbol of light and hope for people coming into the community,’ Fuller explained.
‘It was never our intention to have flashing lights. We’ve read the comments and we really want to apologize to the community for ways that we came across that are not consistent with what our intentions are.’
But still, some have complained to the pastor that the lights and display are ‘too obnoxious’ and resemble something from the Las Vegas strip. He said: ‘We want to be a symbol of light and hope for people coming into the community’
He added that the original idea was for the cross to act like a lighthouse and welcome everyone.
The pastor said the new look and design of the church are not traditional and that is the point because the church’s goal and mission is to focus on the community.
‘We want the building to be used for a number of different events,’ he said.
‘If it’s still a problem or a struggle, yes, please come talk with us. We’re learning how to adjust the lights.
‘It was absolutely not our intention to upset anybody and we’re very sorry that it has come across that way.’