It was a special service Sunday at United Church in Scarboro, southwest Calgary, when the community held new Pride banners to send the message that they are a strong and affirming congregation.
“We doubled down on being public, intentional and explicit in our welcome,” the Rev. Erin Klassen said.
The church has been an affirmative congregation for at least 12 years, meaning it has gone through a process to ensure that it is “open and inclusive to people of all genders, identities, and sexual expressions.”
But in March, a banner intended to communicate this fact and welcome LGBTQ people was vandalized, partially burned and ripped off and with the word “repent” written on it. Calgary police believe it is a possible hate crime.
Klassen said the initial emotions ranged from worrying about queer people having to go past a hate symbol, to anger because someone would be so hurt. But the community quickly showed its support.
“As discouraged as we were when the banners were disfigured, the response has been wonderful,” he said, calling it a sad way to get a good reminder.
Reverend Erin Klassen, on the left, stands next to old Marilyn Shingoose, who led a blessing of the new banners on Sunday. (Helen Pike / CBC)
Three organizations offered to donate new banners, said Sharon Woodhouse, who has been a member of Scarboro United Church for nearly 40 years.
“This is just a statement to us that we are on the right track and that this is what people need. They need that acceptance and awareness that Scarboro Church will be where gays can come and be loved,” Woodhouse said. .
He said that along with Scarboro, more than 50 united churches in Calgary are affirming congregations.
Parishioners gathered outside the church where one of the new banners hangs. (Helen Pike / CBC)
The two new church banners were donated by Reputable Red Panda.
“When we saw the news … we felt it was our duty to do what we could,” said Brandyn Funk, owner of the Calgary Printing Service.
He is not a member of the church, but he supports his inclusive message.
“We wanted to show that even if the members of the community do not agree with them, the whole community does.”