Press release from the United Congregational Christian Church:

In the early morning hours between June 7 and June 8, the Pride banner displayed on the front of United Congregational Christian Church in Eureka was stolen. Just one day after replacing it with a Trans Pride banner, that too was destroyed — shredded under the cover of darkness on the evening of June 9.

The acts of targeted vandalism occurred shortly after the church participated in the local Pride event, hosting a booth and standing in visible solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the church’s inclusive banners have been attacked.

United Congregational Christian Church has been an Open and Affirming congregation since 1995, deeply committed to welcoming and affirming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. As a dual-affiliated church with the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it draws from rich traditions of justice, inclusion, and compassion. The church has served Eureka for over 165 years, remaining a steadfast refuge for the marginalized.

The banners, which include the phrase “A Just World for All,” are symbols of visibility, hope, and affirmation and stay up year round, not just during pride month.

In response to these incidents, the church has launched a fundraising effort on gofundme: https://gofund.me/094c0ab3. Funds raised will be used to:

• Replace the stolen and destroyed Pride and Trans Pride banners and purchase additional banners for quick replacement of future vandalism.

• Fortify church signs and improve security to deter future vandals

• Support the Free Community Pride Spaghetti Dinner on June 28 — a celebration of welcome, resilience, and healing, and

• Sustain the church’s Outreach and Social Justice Ministry.

The church is inviting the community to take part by contributing to this work. “Whether it’s $5 or $15, your support proclaims: Love is stronger than hate. And love will always rise again.”