City of Natick, Schools, Groups Show Support for LBGTQIA+ Community After Hateful Acts

The city of Natick, Natick Public Schools and community organizations have released a joint statement in support of the LGBTQIA+ community following hateful actions at two churches over the weekend.

Flags and banners welcoming people and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community at First Congregational Church of Natick and Christ Lutheran Church were removed and replaced with other banners over the weekend, leaving anti-LGBTQIA+ materials behind. Police are investigating.

The incidents were first reported by Natick Report on Sunday after community members contacted us. The situation has since received more attention in the news.

“Sunday night was a calculated act of hate and the City of Natick stands firm against all forms of bigotry and hatred. Natick is committed to celebrating inclusivity so that ALL who call Natick home, and those who visit, feel welcomed and supported,” the joint statement reads in part.

In addition to the city and Natick Public Schools, other organizations supporting the statement include the police department, fire department, Natick is United, SPARK Kindness, OUT Metrowest and Natick Center Cultural District.

The First Congregational Church (FCC) and Christ Lutheran Church will participate in the Natick Nights celebration this Thursday (5-8 p.m., Aug. 1) in the town center (and on the lawn in front of the FCC at the corner of Rtes. 27 and 135).

Joint Statement from the City of Natick and the Organization

Natick Stands United with the Entire LGBTQIA+ Community In the early hours of Sunday, July 28, two churches in Natick were each the targets of a hate crime directly targeting their support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Both First Congregational Church of Natick (FCC) and Christ Lutheran Church Natick (CLC) have long been allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and each church strives to foster a congregation rooted in inclusivity.

Sunday night was a calculated act of hate and the City of Natick stands firm against all forms of bigotry and hatred. Natick is committed to celebrating inclusivity so that ALL who call Natick home, and those who visit, feel welcomed and supported.

In partnership with the community groups listed below, the FCC and CLC churches plan to show community-wide support by participating in the regularly scheduled “Natick Nights” this Thursday. The City of Natick and community organizations will join with the FCC and CLC congregations in supporting the entire LGBTQIA+ community. This is just one step in the process of healing from this painful event and ensuring it does not happen again. We will support each other and spread the message that Natick is a welcoming community for all.

Join us Thursday 8/1/24 (5:00 – 8:00 pm) to support each other. We will be gathering on the FCC lawn (NE corner of Rte. 27 & Rte. 135).

—Support for the LGBQTIA+ Community, – City of Natick, Natick Public Schools & NGO Community Organizations

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