Twenty Seven — that’s the number of times the Community Church of Chesterland’s LGBTQ+ pride flag has been stolen in the past three years.
Twenty Seven — that’s the number of times the Community Church of Chesterland’s LGBTQ+ pride flag has been stolen in the past three years.
Sitting on the corner of Wilson Mills and Caves Road, the flag is attached to the church’s welcome sign, where it’s sat anywhere from a few days to a few months before being taken.
Despite the flag’s continued theft, the church replaces it because of the importance of what it symbolizes.
“We want to show the community there’s a place of inclusivity,” said Dan Craig, a Community Church member for 28 years.
Craig is the church’s flag caretaker and has filed a report with the Chester Township Police Department for all 27 incidents.
The church used to only fly the flag during the month of June, but decided three years ago, it was a necessary symbol to be flown year-round.
Craig said he recognizes there may not be many inclusive spaces, especially those for worship, in a more conservative area like Geauga County.
“Most of our new members have mentioned that one of the things that attracted them to the church was that we were open and affirming with the flag being up,” said Craig.
The flag not only attracts LGBTQ+ patrons to the church, but those outside the community, as well.
“Some have friends and family members who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and they want to worship in a place that’s accepting of all people,” he said.
“We have a beautiful mix of people at our church, it’s really great to see,” added Rev. Carol Vaccariello, the church’s interim pastor since last July.
Various steps have been taken to prevent the flag from being stolen, which has happened more frequently in the last six months.
The flags are labeled with the church’s phone number and address, and they’ve actually been returned a handful of times, Craig said.
A trail camera was placed near the church’s sign in the hopes to catch a glimpse of the perpetrators, but so far has been unsuccessful.
However, the community outreach in protecting the church’s flag has grown over the past few weeks, with members and nearby neighbors reaching out to see how they can help keep the flag flying.
“Our neighbors are starting to pay attention,” said Vaccariello.
Nearby community members previously unknown to the church started writing and sharing their distress that this keeps happening, she said.
A few have even donated to the church in order to help replace the flags.
As to why the flag is being stolen more recently puzzles Craig, who cited a polarized political climate or potential COVID-19-pandemic-related boredom as potential reasons.
Despite growing divisions, Vaccariello remains hopeful about where people’s hearts are headed.
“I think one of the things the pandemic taught us, and continues to teach us, is that we can take care of each other,” she said. “And I think we’re finding that it feels good to do that.”
Flag or no flag, their pride in supporting their community remains.
The church’s inclusivity doesn’t stop with welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community to their services. Their goal is to create a space where people of all backgrounds feel welcome to worship.
“We continue to be a peaceful reminder that we support everyone, not just the LGBTQ+ community,” said Craig. “That there’s a place for everyone in our community.”
“If you need us, we put our arms around you,” Vaccariello added. “Just tell us what you need and we’ll help whatever way we can.”
Whether it’s to the people who drive past and see the flag, or those who continue to take it, Craig’s message is simple.
“Come join and learn about us and see how much alike we actually are.”
