Black Lives Matter Banner Stolen From Reston Church

RESTON, VA — A Black Lives Matter banner that a Reston church installed last week to show support for protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis was stolen Thursday night.

“We hung a Black Lives Matter banner in front of our church property at this moment in time to demonstrate our support of those who are protesting the murders of black people by police and as a visible symbol of our commitment to ending racism and white supremacy," said Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner, minister at Unitarian Universalist Church in press release. “As Unitarian Universalists we believe in living our faith aloud and the inherent dignity and worth of all people. Our congregation’s vision is to work for justice and equity for all people, especially those who have been marginalized and oppressed.”

UUC was established 50 years ago in Reston to offer a voice for the liberal religion that embraces all.

“We will not be deterred by this hate crime," Haffner said. "We have ordered a new flag, and we will continue to hang a Black Lives Matter banner on our property. We hope that other churches, synagogues and mosques will put a Black Lives Matter banner on their property as well, so that our Black neighbors know that we stand with them in their quest for freedom and justice."

This is not the first time one of UCC's banners has been taken. Thieves have stolen a large Rainbow Flag, which the church displays on its property in support of the LGBTQ+ community, three times in the past.