A local church won’t be deterred by an act of anti-LGBT vandalism and will continue on with its mission of inclusion and acceptance.  

As the United Church of Canada held its inaugural Pride Sunday on June 2, the Ladner United Church displayed a Pride flag in front of the church, which it has flown outside the church in previous years.

However, church staff discovered on June 3 that the rainbow flag had been sprayed with black paint sometime overnight.

The vandalism was reported to the Delta Police Department.

On June 3, the Delta church posted a statement on its Facebook page in response to the vandalism.

“As a faith community which is committed to living out the love of Christ in real and practical ways in our community," the church stated, "we will not be discouraged or distracted from the message of inclusion, acceptance and affirmation we make through flying this flag in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ church members, friends, family, and larger community of South Delta.”

In a video posted on the church’s social media, leadership committee chair Ryan Hall, who explained that they have initiated outreach efforts in the past to help people in the community feel included, stated that they want everyone to know that the act is a form of criminal activity and they want everyone to feel welcome at their church.

As the church is determined to “change the narrative of this experience from something harmful into an expression of love”, the vandalized flag will be brought to the church service at 10 a.m. on Sunday (June 9) for attendees to add messages of love and inclusion to it.

A new replacement flag has been ordered and will be displayed.