Church LGBTQ+ pride flag stolen twice: Stratham responds with an even bigger display
STRATHAM — Police are investigating the theft of two LGBTQ+ pride flags, stolen recently from outside of Stratham Community Church, United Church of Christ.
According to Stratham police Lt. David Pierce, the department received two reports, one on April 3 and another on April 19, from officials at the church citing thefts only a few weeks apart of two pride flags that flew in front of its 6 Emery Lane location.
The cases are under investigation, he said, and anyone with information is urged to contact police at 603-778-9691.
According to Stratham Community Church pastor Westley Conn, a rainbow-colored flag in support of the LGBTQ+ community has been displayed prominently in front of the church since about 2005. At that time, he said, the congregation committed itself to being inclusive and accepting, open and welcoming to all peoples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The church’s pride flag spoke publicly of that affirmation.
"Our faith teaches us to love ourselves and our neighbors; no exceptions," he said. "This incident speaks to the continued importance for our church to proclaim God’s love and welcome to LGBTQ+ people in Stratham."
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Conn and Stratham Community Church office administrator Kristen Dusseault said prior to these incidents, the church never received a negative comment about displaying the flag or its commitment to inclusiveness.
But at about 5 p.m. on March 31, Dusseault said, a church staff member witnessed a person take down the pride flag and bring it over to a waiting vehicle before driving away. The witness, Dusseault said, couldn’t get outside quick enough to prevent the theft. However, a picture was taken and given to police.
After that, a new flag was purchased to replace the one stolen. It was blessed and mounted on April 16, Dusseault said. A neighbor saw it in its place at 9 p.m. on April 18, she said.
“But when I got to work on April 19, it was gone,” Dusseault said. “We reported it to the police.”
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According to Conn, the second theft was even more concerning to the congregation. Given everything that’s gone on lately in other nearby communities with hate propaganda being left on people’s lawns, actions of this nature are disturbing.
“It feels like (a hate crime) but it’s hard to know,” Conn said. “But this theft is not an indication of the Stratham community. This is the action of a couple of people. The community support has been wonderful. It’s galvanized us in our commitment to love.”
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Conn said the police in town are being supportive, as are residents. Many reached out, calling and sending positive notes, some offering donations to help pay for additional flags.
“It’s easy to take a flag, but our neighbors are all made in God’s image,” Conn said. “This Sunday we prayed for the people who took our flag. We don’t know who they are, but we prayed for God to bless them.”
Losing two pride flags to thieves hasn’t dampened the congregation’s intent. Already a third is out, mounted proudly on the sign outside the picturesque white steepled church. And this one’s bigger than the two that were stolen. The flag lets everyone know Stratham Community Church’s dedication to God, its beliefs and a community of all people are as strong as ever, Conn said.
"We will not be deterred by this act of hate," said Susie Curtis, church moderator. "We will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive community, and we invite everyone to join us in our mission."
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Stratham Community Church LGBTQ+ pride flag stolen twice in two weeks
