A group gathered in City Park on Saturday to hoist a simple flag laden with Christian symbolism.
The hoisting of the Christian flag — an ecumenical flag designed in the late 19th century to represent much of Christianity — was the first flag-raising ceremony under a new policy covering official flag-raising ceremonies in the city, moving the location from City Hall to a section of City Park near Rose Garden Road and Constitution Avenue.
Wanda Negron, a Reading resident who spearheaded Saturday’s ceremony and spoke at the ceremony, said it is important to raise the flag, as Christians need to be vocal in asserting their rights.
“A lot of people, you know, stand up for themselves, for everything they do everything that they want, and we’re just quiet,” Negron said before the ceremony. “I no longer want to be quiet.
“I want to proclaim God. I want to let it be known that he is here.”
Through Jesus Christ, she said, there is hope for overcoming addiction and criminal behavior.
Speakers at the event, including some Protestant ministers, argued that while some have criticized the Chrisitan flag as not being inclusive, it’s actually a symbol of unity, hope and redemption.
“We are a city that is looking for unity,” said Pastor Yoli Williams of Ashes to Beauty, a city ministry that works with the homeless and those suffering from addiction. “We are a city that wants to see families growing, and we are a city that is looking to create lasting family connections, bringing unity not only to the body of Christ, but bringing unity to those that are lost in the city.”
Mayor Eddie Moran, who also spoke at the event, said he agrees.
“I mean that it’s about bringing a bunch of groups together in our community,” Moran said. “And that’s what we’re doing here today, raising a flag that represents unity. And during Holy Week, what better time to have this opportunity to raise this flag.”
The decision to move the location was made to enhance accessibility, safety and overall attendee experience, the mayor said.
Previously flag-raising ceremonies were hosted by people of various ethnic and cultural communities at City Hall. Among them were Dominican, Puerto Rican and French flags as well as the rainbow flag ringing in the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Since Washington Street is a state route, it is not permitted to be closed for public events. The City Park site offers ample parking and space for attendees, and it has a flagpole from which the American flag is displayed.
Source: Berkshire mont
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