HOUSTON: Arson Destroys Gay Church

The Houston Fire Department has determined that the fire that destroyed a small gay-friendly church on Friday was deliberately set.

The intense blaze was spotted a little after 11 p.m. The church, a small wooden building near Beltway 8 and I-45 South, was immediately engulfed. The remnants have since been torn down. The church's website says "We welcome people of any nationality, race, sexual orientation, or religious affilitation. As a More Light Church, we see diversity as one of God's many blessings to the community and we choose to further this understanding through our presence and actions in the world." They are what's called an "open and affirming" church, meaning they welcome gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and anyone else.

The church has already launched a rebuilding fund on its website.