Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Rainbow Flag Burning Vigil
July 25, 2009 - Rainbow Flag Vigil (at 6:00 p.m. in Watertown Square) and Reinstallation
Dear Friends,
As many of you have heard, the rainbow flag hanging outside the First Parish of Watertown has been torched by vandals. The rainbow has traditionally been a symbol of inclusion for people of all ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. More recently it has been used as a sign of welcome for members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. When the flag is flown from a Unitarian Universalist church, it means that the congregation has been through a thoughtful, deliberate process to create a welcoming environment for all people who may wish to participate in the life of the church.
These principles of honoring and respecting diversity have long been a part of the culture of Watertown. When they are suddenly threatened by an act of hatred, such as the burning of the flag, we must come together with one voice to support those who may feel afraid, and reaffirm our commitment to making this community a safe and respectful place for all.
We invite all who share these values to stand together in Watertown Square this coming Saturday, June 25, at 6:00 PM for a vigil in honor of the rainbow and all that it represents. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen the spirit that has made Watertown such a special place for so long. Following the vigil at 7:00 p.m., we will process to the First Parish, where we will have a short ceremony to reinstall the rainbow flag. We hope very much that you will join us.
In addition, please feel free to express your thoughts about this incident by writing or calling the Watertown TAB and Press.
With much appreciation for your concern,
Will Twombly (who composed this letter), Rev. Mark Harris and the entire First Parish congregation
Dear Friends,
As many of you have heard, the rainbow flag hanging outside the First Parish of Watertown has been torched by vandals. The rainbow has traditionally been a symbol of inclusion for people of all ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. More recently it has been used as a sign of welcome for members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. When the flag is flown from a Unitarian Universalist church, it means that the congregation has been through a thoughtful, deliberate process to create a welcoming environment for all people who may wish to participate in the life of the church.
These principles of honoring and respecting diversity have long been a part of the culture of Watertown. When they are suddenly threatened by an act of hatred, such as the burning of the flag, we must come together with one voice to support those who may feel afraid, and reaffirm our commitment to making this community a safe and respectful place for all.
We invite all who share these values to stand together in Watertown Square this coming Saturday, June 25, at 6:00 PM for a vigil in honor of the rainbow and all that it represents. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen the spirit that has made Watertown such a special place for so long. Following the vigil at 7:00 p.m., we will process to the First Parish, where we will have a short ceremony to reinstall the rainbow flag. We hope very much that you will join us.
In addition, please feel free to express your thoughts about this incident by writing or calling the Watertown TAB and Press.
With much appreciation for your concern,
Will Twombly (who composed this letter), Rev. Mark Harris and the entire First Parish congregation