Pride Flag Torn Down From Historic Windsor Church

WINDSOR, CT — A Pride flag was torn down from the front of First Church in Windsor last week, prompting the church’s senior minister to condemn the act and promise that the flag will be replaced.

The Rev. Dr. Ned Allyn Parker discussed the incident in an open letter posted Tuesday. Parker said he believes the flag was removed to intimidate the church or silence its message of support for LGBTQ+ people.

“When a symbol of welcome is torn down, the message sent to LGBTQIA+ people is that their dignity is negotiable,” Parker wrote.

The church displays the flag to show that LGBTQ+ people and others who have felt excluded are welcome, Parker said. The congregation also prayed Sunday for whoever removed it.

First Church traces its history to 1630 and describes itself as the longest continuously worshipping Congregational church in the country. Parker said it was also among the first 100 Congregational churches nationwide to become Open and Affirming of LGBTQ+ people.

Parker said he has encountered far more kindness than hate during his time in Windsor, but urged the community not to remain silent when intimidation occurs.

He noted that the letter reflected his personal views and was not an official statement from the church.

“We will replace the Pride Flag. We will keep welcoming,” Parker wrote.

Patch reached out to the Windsor Police Department on Wednesday to ask whether the incident was reported and if a suspect had been identified.

Police didn't respond to a request for information.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.