BREESE, Ill. (CNI) — In response to the uproar over a Proud Boys message displayed on a billboard near Central Community High School, the United Methodist Church has a simple message: “Hate Divides, Love Unites.”

The church purchased billboard space in the same location as the Proud Boys sign, which was removed this week. It paid $2,100 for the next four months.

“It’s part of our ministry,” said Paul Black, director of communication ministries for the Springfield-based Illinois Great Rivers Conference, which represents 650 United Methodist congregations and about 100,000 members across central and southern Illinois. “One of the focuses for the denomination is eradicating racism, and when you read about this group, there’s no doubt there’s cause for concern.”

The Proud Boys sign, which

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