“Black Lives Matter” banner at Towson church vandalized

Rev. Clare Petersberger and members of the Towson Unitarian Universalist Church earlier this month purchased and displayed a “Black Lives Matter” banner near the church’s sign on Dulaney Valley Road. Five days after putting it up, vandals destroyed it.

“As a congregation, we anticipated that the banner would be vandalized as have the Black Lives Matter banners of many congregations in Baltimore City, Annapolis, Wilmington, DE, Bethesda, MD, etc.,” Petersberger said. “Nevertheless, we still feel profound sadness.”

Petersberger said the church received two emails about the sign prior to its destruction. One said:

I was wondering if you were aware that there’s a large “Black Lives Matter” sign in front of your church facing Dulaney Valley Road? I’m all for people’s 1st amendment rights however as a church doesn’t that send the wrong message? Wouldn’t something  “All Lives Matter” be much more appropriate? BLM is nothing more than a domestic terror organization who hides behind the lie of being a civil rights movement. I never heard of MLK calling for the “murder of white babies” and I don’t recall any marches where they shouted “what do we want? Dead cops. When do we want them? Now!” If you’re actively supporting this group then you’re part of the lie and part of the problem. As a place of worship, wouldn’t a sign stating that “ALL LIVES MATTER” be more appropriate??? Spread peace, understanding and love, not lies and hatred.

I am writing regarding your sign Black Life’s Matter. First let me say I am a avid supporter of the right to state any opinion or belief personally or collectivity such as your church community. I support the concept Black Lives Matter however my greater consciousness believes All Lives Matter. I am not member of your church but I am a resident of the community you reside and I respectfully ask you to consider a public display which addresses all mankind, collectively and universally. We are all one with the universe, ALL LIVES MATTER.

We dedicated this banner following worship services on Sunday as part of rededicating ourselves (as individuals and as a congregation) to work for racial justice.

Please know that having served, for many years, as a volunteer Chaplain for the Baltimore County Police and Fire Departments, I am well aware of the dangers and stresses police officers face in our community.

I value the training and hard work of the Baltimore County police officers. This banner is not intended to condone violence against anyone.

We agree with you that all lives matter. Central to Unitarian Universalism is the affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Sadly, our society has a long history of treating some people as less valuable than others. Unfortunately, racial bias continues to exist even when it is no longer conscious. So to say that Black lives matter is not to say that other lives do not. It is to recognize that all lives do matter and to acknowledge that Black lives matter also.