For the second time in 12 days, heartless vandals have defaced a Pride flag at Ladner United Church.
On Saturday afternoon, Ladner United shared the news on their Facebook page.
The pride flag has been defaced again at this Delta church. Ladner United Church/Facebook
“Twelve days after our Pride flag was defaced, and one week after we installed its replacement, our flag has been defaced again,” said their Facebook post. “This is not simple vandalism, but a clear message and intentional criminal act.
“Let us be clear in our response: we will not be deterred in living out the love of Christ in word and deed in our community. We are not afraid or ashamed. We encircle our LGBTQ+ church members, family, friends, and neighbours with love and solidarity.”
When news broke of the first Pride Flag being defaced 12 days ago, there was a collective outcry of anger and frustration from throughout the community.
Ladner United, at its Sunday service following the defacing, invited the public to its congregation to sign words of love and support.
The City of Delta joined with Delta police, Delta fire and its city employees to raise a Pride Flag for the first time out front of City Hall in Ladner, while the Delta School District did the same.
On Saturday night, Mayor George Harvie posted his reaction to the news on Twitter.
“Extremely upset & disappointed to hear that another Pride flag at Ladner United Church was defaced. This community will not tolerate such despicable acts. Delta stands in solidarity with Ladner United Church & the LGBTQ+ community."
Extremely upset & disappointed to hear that another Pride flag at Ladner United Church was defaced. This community will not tolerate such despicable acts. #DeltaBC stands in solidarity with Ladner United Church & the LGBTQ+ community. #PrideFlag
— Office of Mayor George V. Harvie (@MayorofDelta) June 16, 2019
