|
|
He posted a letter on the church Web site, www.uucdc.org, informing congregants of the vandalism and of the candlelight vigils that began Thursday and will continue to be held 7 to 9 by the church sign nightly through Monday. They are open to the public.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Friedrichs is planning a service in the church at 145 W. Rose Tree Road,which is also open to the public.
"It is a special, interfaith service in which we are affirming our belief in the equality of all people regardless of sexual orientation, and it is an opportunity for members of the congregation and community to express their reaction (to the flag vandalism)," said the 49-year-old minister.
The Unitarian Universalist Church has a long tradition of tolerance and was a strong advocate for the same-sex marriage law that was passed in Massachusetts in 2004.
The gay pride flag, with its distinctive rainbow pattern, was removed from the Delaware County church’s sign on the night of Nov. 10 while a dinner and discussion sponsored by Interweave, a support group for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons, was in progress inside the church.
Ironically, noted the minister, "Gay Talk, Straight Talk: Let’s begin a dialogue" was the topic being discussed. He discovered the flag was missing the same night as the dinner. It was returned to its bracket on the church sign, destroyed, three days later. Friedrichs said a similar flag was stolen last year, but never returned.
Upper Providence Police Chief Tom Davis is seeking information on the incident that is being investigated as criminal mischief, but may be elevated to ethnic intimidation if malicious intent toward a specific group can be established. He can be reached at (610) 566-8445.
Friedrichs, who himself practiced law for 19 years, has also been in contact with Delaware County District Attorney Michael Green. He has been very supportive, noted the minister. Friedrichs would like to stage a forum, addressing the seemingly hostile act.
"Although it was a horrible gesture on somebody’s part, people see it as an opportunity to help educate people about how we can find common ground and how we want to treat everybody equally regardless of sexual orientation," said Friedrichs.
Rev. Karla Fleshman, pastor of Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church in Edgmont, is especially incensed by what appears to be an act of hate. Her predominantly gay congregation was first established at the local Unitarian church in 1999.
"I can’t even presume what type of individual did this -- high school pranksters, angry adults? I don’t know. But what I do know is, ‘Love thy neighbor,’ from a Christian perspective means respecting thy neighbor," said Fleshman.
Vandalizing someone’s property, she noted, isn’t respect.
"It isn’t funny and it isn’t a joke. Too often it starts with a flag and becomes a person," said Fleshman, adding that members of her congregation have experienced vandalism, as well as verbal and physical abuse.
Friedrichs has been pleased with the response to the vigils thus far. Despite a tornado watch, about 20 people assembled for the first vigil Thursday night.
Noted the minister, "I’m hoping each night we’ll see more and more people from the community."
