Above: The two flags before they were taken. Submitted photo
Members of the Westminster Unitarian Church on Kenyon Avenue reported their flagpole was vandalized and their rainbow and Black Lives Matters flags taken sometime late last week. According to member Jan Searles, this was the third or fourth time their BLM flag has been taken. Both flags have flown in front of the church for several years. The congregation started flying the rainbow flag more than 10 years ago, as a symbol of LGBTQ pride and acceptance. They added the Black Lives Matter flag in 2015, after a year of the congregation learning about and contemplating the role of racism in the United States, Searles explained.
While they may have had to replace the rainbow flag once over the years, the BLM flag has turned out to be more controversial. “It seems to be a trigger,” said Searles. “I don’t know why people are threatened by it.”
The parish is already at work to replace the flags and flag pole, which was snapped off. It had been mad of plastic, but they plan to use steel this time. The church is also planning on installing security cameras. The new flags should be flying by early next week.
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What is wrong with people?? What a hateful act, I’m sorry for this whole community! Praying that this does not happen again and that East Greenwich is a town of INCLUSION
Maybe this should be a moment to reflect as there are many such moments, why books need to remain a tool of learning and not thought of as an instrument of fear.
Such truth’s as in Alexander Stevens Vice President of the Confederate States of America “Cornerstone Speech” and the possible anguish a former slave named Booker T. Washington must have endured composing “The Atlanta Exposition Speech.”
It is as simple as EG News publishing this article.
Originalism or textualism doesn’t present as conservatism. There are 27 Amendments to the Constitution, each opening a door to liberal democracy.
I applaud the parish’s stance on replacement. Anything less in dealing with hateful arrogance & ignorance is concession.
“Appeasement is feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last.”
Churchill
Atrocious behavior. I’m proud of the diversity in this town and everyone deserves to feel safe. These vandals need to get a life and get over their ignorance. I hope they’re found and made to reimburse the church.
Sad that a symbol of tolerance and compassion is targeted.
As a member of Westminster and one who participated in the year-long study of racism and its effects, I am heartened by these insightful comments.
Maybe this should be classified as a Hate Crime
Please don’t ever include me in your broad woke apologies. Maybe the “church” should not push its political ideologists into our face?
To EG conse:
You won’t be hearing any apologies from me. Both private residences and churches can and do display both Rainbow & Black Lives Matter banners/flags. You are entitled to your own sociopolitical beliefs, but you must also respect the beliefs of other individuals and their associated social institutions. Thank you.