Pride Flag Vandalized At Ministry In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Pride flag hung at Sanctuary + Seed in Martinsville was vandalized at the beginning of June, which is Pride month.

"Our message in return," stated Rev. Lissette Gonzalez Sosa, Executive Director and Pastor of Sanctuary + Seed, "is that we are committed to both human and ecological flourishing. We are here to feed the hungry with our food gardens. We are here to welcome people back into sacred relationship with the Creator, the earth and to explore restorative spirituality with our Wild Church service under the trees."

The vandalism was reported to the Board of Directors of Sanctuary & Seed on June 3. Sanctuary + Seed said that its location, on the corner of Crim and Washington Valley in the former Christ Presbyterian Church building in Martinsville, has had its flag vandalized five times.

"We know this act is not reflective of the community," stated Sosa. "In the past, we have received letters of support that grieve with us each time a flag is destroyed. We are committed to continuing to provide a safe space and to accept all just as the Creator made them."

Founded in 2024, Sanctuary + Seed is a ministry of The Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook looking to nurture faith through ecological justice, land-based spirituality, and innovative worship. For more information visit www.sanctuaryandseed.com.