
A pride flag that was outside a church in Wilmington, Delaware, was almost cut in half.
On Monday afternoon, the building manager of the Church of the Holy City discovered the discovery, according to Rev. Shada Sullivan of the church.
It is thought that the incident took place sometime between Sunday evening and Monday am.
Sullivan claims that she was disappointed and frustrated, but the church is still firmly committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and the purpose is unclear.
“We feel clear about our call to faith and what that means for us in terms of showing love and living love and we will not be deterred from that mission,” Rev. Sullivan stated.
Sullivan thinks that the vandal leaped over their fence and left footprints in the snow, which had just fallen at that time. On Thursday, the tracks that had been left in the snow were still evident.
The damaged flag is still being flown for the time being to send a message, as there is some fear in the community. A replacement flag has been ordered.
“I felt that leaving it there is still a testament to what we believe in and our resolve to continue to support the community. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community are really afraid, and understandably so. That was one of the reasons I felt it was important to make a really strong statement of solidarity with them and to make sure they understood they would always be welcome in our community with their whole selves,” Rev. Sullivan stated.
People who live near the intersection of Broome Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where the chapel is located, were surprised and upset.
“Maybe it was somebody not in the neighborhood, but it’s definitely out of character for this area. I’m raising my daughter here and I want her to know that this community and this country as a whole respects everyone,” Meagan McDonald stated.
“It’s heartbreaking frankly because there’s a lot of people in this community that are from the LGBTQ+ community and they’re fantastic people. The people at the church are too,” Dan Hahn continued.
The Wilmington police have confirmed that they are conducting an investigation, but they have not disclosed any information regarding a potential suspect or motive.
Sullivan issued this letter to the church members and claims that she has grace for whoever is responsible.
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“Our faith also calls for us to have compassion towards those who have wronged us. So without knowing this person’s context or state of mind, we will work to continue to make sure we keep a space of compassion open. That’s also part of the work that’s before us,” Sullivan stated.
According to Sullivan, the pride flag has been up outside the church for two years, and they have never encountered any problems in the past.