California church
promotes "hate-free zone" after banner slashing

Following the third slashing of a Marriage Equality Banner, Neighborhood Church of Pasadena, Calif., announced it will hold a peace rally on Sunday, September 9, to dedicate the historic property as a "hate-free zone," according to a press release.

"This is so much more than just a banner," Neighborhood Church director of administration Aylssa Bellew said in the press release. "Besides having love and tolerance in our hearts and minds, our faith encourages us to proclaim it and take action against injustices wherever they might be. The world needs to see that people of faith, clergy, and religious institutions stand on the side of love and justice."

The banner, which read, "LOVE makes a family. We support marriage equality!" was slashed sometime before church services on Sunday, July 29.

Churchgoers and staff, along with members of the community, will wrap the sanctuary and adjacent campus entirely in a "hate-free" ribbon to show "unwavering solidarity and dedication to equality for all marriages and families, and to reinforce the church's 'Stand on the Side of Love' covenant," according to the press release. The ribbon will also be signed and decorated with "pledges from the heart" in support of gay rights. Following the peace rally, church officials say that they plan to raise a new banner. (The Advocate)