Cambridge Church Raises New Rainbow Flag
CAMBRIDGE (CBS) - It's being called a victory of love over hate.
Parishioners of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church re-dedicated a rainbow flag on Sunday, replacing one that was stolen two weeks ago. It's the second time a flag has been torn down at this church.
"It was very emotional. I was surprised. I was very taken by the act of love that was coming out from everyone who was singing and I'm very proud to be part of Cambridge," said Alice Heller, a supporter.
Before the flag's re-dedication, a church leader vowed to replace that flag as often as they have to during an emotional prayer service.
WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports.
"We will raise our rainbow flag again and again and again, as many times as we have to. We will continue to stand on the side of love," said Rev. Fred Small, the senior minister.
Then, church members headed outside to raise the flag. The group said it was a repudiation of the hate that tried and failed to bring it down.
The First Parish was founded in Cambridge in 1636, dedicated to the rights of the marginalized and the oppressed. Church members said the flag's re-dedication is the latest example of that philosophy.
"Well it's an extremely powerful moment for people of faith because we're really concerned to make sure to include everybody in the human family, because that's what really faith is," said Ethan Contini-Field, a church member.
Rainbow flags have also been vandalized at Unitarian Universalist churches in Quincy, Watertown, Melrose and Bridgewater.
