La Luz Del Mundo Church Removes Banner of Accused Child Rapist Following City Order

La Luz Del Mundo church on Milwaukee’s South Side has removed a controversial banner featuring Naasón Joaquín Garcia, who was arrested and charged in California in June with child rape, human trafficking and other crimes. The banner, which had been displayed prominently at the church, was taken down following an order from the city’s Department of Neighborhood Services.

After weeks of controversy and an order from the city, the banner featuring Garcia, the leader of La Luz Del Mundo, an organization with over 15,000 churches, including one at 1316 S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr., was removed. The controversy erupted after a Facebook post criticized local church leaders for displaying the banner, sparking public debate about the church’s stance on Garcia’s legal troubles.

The Department of Neighborhood Services ordered the church to take down the sign by July 31 due to violations of municipal signage laws. Despite public outcry, church officials initially refused to remove the banner, comparing Garcia’s arrest and prosecution to the false persecution of Jesus Christ while defending his innocence. This stance angered many South Side residents, some of whom threatened on social media to take the banner down themselves or deface it.

An inspection on June 11 by the Department of Neighborhood Services, prompted by resident complaints, found the banner violated the municipal ordinance for exterior signage limits. The church was given until July 31 to remove the banner or face prosecution or daily penalties ranging from $150 to $10,000. The church has since removed the banner at the church and a similar banner on the side of the building at 1570 W. Greenfield Ave., which houses La Luz Del Mundo Family Services.

Church officials declined a request for further comment. Garcia is currently being held in California and has been denied bail. The situation highlights the tension between religious expression and local regulations, as well as the broader implications of legal challenges faced by prominent religious figures.

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