Hate Strikes Again Towards Community Church of Mill Valley, Vandalized Twice this Month

In a letter to the Editor, Community Church of Mill Valley expressed their frustration of repeated vandalism since their announcement to welcome same-sex marriages.

A large rainbow flag flying outside the Community Church of Mill Valley was stolen Friday night and the metal flag holder was twisted and bent out of shape, rendering it useless. Earlier this month, the same flag had been smeared with Vasoline, or a similar greasy substance, by passing vandals.  

The flag was displayed to show support for the LGBT community after the recent Supreme Court decision against Prop. 8.  The church has also announced that it welcomes same-sex weddings.  

The Community Church of Mill Valley was established in 1929 and has a long history of activism in social justice issues. Representatives of the church were among "freedom riders" who went to the South to support voting rights during the 1950s. The church provided daycare for children of low-income families during the 1960s. The congregation is best known for founding The Redwoods retirement center in 1973.

The Community Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, a progressive denomination that respects freedom of individual conscience, with no “tests of faith” for its 1.4 million members. This congregation is diverse, with a strong tradition of welcoming everyone.
The theft was reported to the Mill Valley police today, August 24, 2013.