The Canadian Memorial United Church in Vancouver is standing in solidarity with Ladner United Church following the latest vandalism of their Pride Flag.
To show solidarity to the Pride Community and to stand with Ladner United Church, Canadian Memorial United Church raised a Pride Flag late last week.
Rev. Beth Hayward said the raising of the Pride Flag was by spearheaded by her and the congregation.
“The people who come to our church on Sundays and participate throughout the week are committed to our support of the LGBQT2S+ community,” said Hayward. “The congregation has taken it upon themselves to learn and study and we found out we were not as inclusive as we thought, so we are looking for every opportunity to just open our eyes a bit wider.”
In the early morning hours of July 5, the Pride Flag hung outside the entranceway to Ladner United Church was vandalized – the third such incident in the past few years.
Delta Police have released several surveillance videos in the hopes the public can identify the person responsible. The suspect appears to be a Caucasian male between the ages of 50 and 60-years-old wearing all black with a blue neck and face covering.
Police investigation continues and so far an arrest has not been made.
“Quite randomly I met the minister from Ladner for tea when she learned of the vandalism,” added Hayward. “There is such a perception that churches can be closed-minded and exclusive, but we stand together when one of us makes this effort to be public in support of people who are usually excluded, so it just feels really important every time that happens because this is not the first time that we have had to stand together and speak up.
“Part of it is just being public and having a voice. The more public I get and speak out when something like this happens to a neighbouring community, the more vocal I get, the more push back I get and the more nasty comments I get on social media. But it is worth it and worth it particularily for churches and faith groups when it is part of our calling to be welcoming of people, so there is no excuse for us to stay silent.”
In a post on its Facebook page, Ladner United Church has offered thanks for all the support from the community.
“Love always wins is not just a saying, a quip, or a quote. It is very real and love is very much alive within the community of South Delta and beyond,” said Ladner United. “Pride flags are replaceable, but the members of our LGBQT2S+ community are not and we do not tolerate any action or otherwise that would make them feel unwelcome or unsafe in the world. We will continue to show our love, appreciation and support.
“We had seven new Pride flags donated over the last few days from members of the Ladner community. A new flag is hanging proudly outside as we continue to celebrate Pride Month.”
