Letter: Pride flag stolen from local church

On July 23 the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County hung on its Burbank Road sign a progress pride flag. The congregation voted to do so to show support to the LGBTQIA+ community that has been under renewed persecution recently.

Unitarian Universalism supports the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, which includes those who identify as gay, transgender, queer or questioning. Flying this flag was a way for us to proclaim our values of love to the city of Wooster and the world.

On the night of Aug. 5, that flag and the flagpole that supported it were stolen. We know it was that night because there was an event that evening at the congregation and folks attending the event saw the flag. The next morning as folks came to Sunday service, the flag was gone.

While many within the congregation were disappointed, no one was surprised. We talked about how the simple act of supporting a marginalized community could cause problems. We knew we would need to improve our safety procedures and prepare for backlash, and I had even joked I had three additional flags in case that one was stolen. I am glad I did because the new flag and pole are already up.

Fear is the primary tool tyrants use to oppress those who would oppose them. We have seen groups such as the Patriot Front, the Proud Boys, and Three Percenters use these tactics to intimidate marginalized groups into submission. History has taught us that bravery in the face of oppression is the best way to keep tyrants at bay. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County will continue to fly the pride flag to let LGBTQIA+ folks know that they are seen, valued and loved for who they are.

Rev. Walter Clark (he·him·his), Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Letter: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's show of support stolen