Two rainbow flags, which hung beside the sign of a North Carolina church, have been burned.

The flags, recognized as symbols of LGBT pride and support, were scorched Friday night outside the United Church of Christ in Hillsborough, reports The News & Observer, a local paper.

Members of the church discovered the burnt remains of the flags Saturday morning and quickly erected two new flags in their stead.

The church elected to display the flags three weeks ago, in response to the passing of HB2, a sweeping anti-LGBT bill, which actively discriminates against members of the LGBT community by preventing local governments from installing protective anti-discrimination ordinances and forcing trans individuals to use restrooms that don't align with their gender identities.

Rev. Jay Kennett said they wanted to prominently hang the flags in order “to let the [LGBT] community know there was a church that supported them and welcomed them.”

“Sad,” he said of their destruction. “I just grieve that somebody would do that.”

The original flags held special significance for the congregation, especially for James and Brent Denisar-Green. The same-sex couple had proudly waved those very flags in a Pride march alongside members of the church after their wedding last year.

“I don’t know how you can’t take it personally,” Brent said of the flag burning.

“What crossed my mind was how hateful,” he continued. “I just couldn’t believe somebody would do that, especially to a church.”

His partner James, who was initially hesitant to join, but found comfort in the church's inclusive and open environment, had one message for the vandals.

“I would challenge them to come and actually visit our church,” he said. “We’re open to all, even those who burn flags.”

h/t: The Advocate