SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A new pride flag is up at the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society.
This comes after someone burned their flag and left it in the church’s memorial garden. The church filed a police report with the Syracuse Police Department. There is no suspect as of the time of this writing, but if caught the suspect would face potential criminal mischief charges.
“This incident comes like I said out of hate and fear and we need to show up for our gay community right so this isnt going to move us into sadness or fear in our congregation,” said Jo Vonrue, the minister of the church. “It is going to fortify out members.”
The flag flew for at least three years, according to Vonrue. The church now wants to have a conversation with the person responsible for the burnt flag.
“So the person who did this doesnt understand what it is like to be in the gay community and possible doesnt know anyone who is gay,” said Vonrue. “Maybe they just need some education and compassion around that.”
Moving forward, the church has discussed adding potential security cameras to make sure that this does not happen again.
The church will continue to hold its weekly worship meetings on Sunday.
