The Church of the Holy City In Wilmington recently reported an act of vandalism involving a Pride Flag at their Church. Rev. Shada Sullivan stated in a pastoral letter:
“Our faith calls us to love our neighbor. However, that love cannot be a disembodied sentimentality. Love is an action. The actions we choose today are to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, to honor their experience and their gifts, and to pursue a more just and inclusive world
At some point between the late afternoon of January 19th, and the morning of January 20th, the Pride Flag displayed on church property was vandalized. An individual climbed over the chain-link fence and slashed the flag almost in half.
This incident has been reported to the police, and will be reported to our city and state representatives. Please stand assured that this hateful and cowardly act will not deter us from supporting our LGBTQ+ siblings rights to dignity and community. LGBTQ+ people will continue to be welcomed into our church community with their whole selves. You are valued, and your identity is a blessing.
A new flag has been ordered and will arrive next week. It will be installed as soon as the weather allows it to be done safely. Until then, the vandalized flag will remain in place as a signal of our resolve.”
Sussex Pride expresses are appreciation to Rev. Shada Sullivan and the congregation of the Church of the Holy City for standing for and with LGBTQ+ people at this time. We encourage community members to report all such incidents.
If you have experienced a bias related crime orhate incident, the Department of Justice recommends reporting to the local police. However, if you encounter difficulties or are not comfortable, please use this form to provide the DOJ as much information as possible.
Additional Resources
Delaware Anti Violence Project
sussexpride.org/antiviolence
Follow Delaware Anti-Violence Project: Google Group | Facebook | Instagram
Working to reduce violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in Delaware
Sussex Pride Faith
sussexpride.org/faith
Follow Sussex Pride Faith: Google Group | Facebook | Instagram
Connecting and supporting LGBTQ+ People of Faith in Delaware