Like our siblings at First Parish in Kingston, we were disheartened by the willful destruction of their Black Lives Matter banner and Rainbow Pride flag. We do not find ourselves shocked, however.
The purposeful terrorizing of Black and Brown people and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender Non-conforming people has a deep history in the United States. It is meant to frighten us away from living lives of authenticity and back into hiding. It is meant to tell People of Color that they should be quiet. It is meant to tell Queer People to get back in the closet.
We say No.
We will not be silent, because Black Lives Matter.
We will not go back in the closet, because Queer Lives Matter.
We will not back down. Love is our destiny. LOVE matters.Â
We believe in the beloved community. We know that to live and love into it, we must be willing to risk our convenience, our privilege, and our very safety to ensure all are free.
Our congregation holds the Kingston congregation in our hearts and prayers, even as we pray for the perpetrator. May all learn to grow in love from this terrible act of violence. May we continue to center that LOVE as we live into Beloved Community.
So may it be.
Approved July 11, 2024 First Parish Church in Billerica Board of Trustees
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