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The First Congregational Church of Park Ridge, New Jersey, faced a challenging period this past Lent due to a social media hate campaign targeting the church's display of a pride flag. The situation began when a parent involved with the local chapter of Moms for Liberty posted an image of the flag online, claiming it supported pedophilia. This incident brought unexpected attention to the church and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Mark Suriano.
Rev. Suriano expressed surprise at the controversy, stating that Park Ridge had not previously encountered such issues and highlighting the church's open and affirming stance. "We never had a problem like this in Park Ridge," he said, emphasizing his long-standing service to the community.
The incident gained further attention from Rev. Freeman L. Palmer, conference minister for the Central Atlantic United Church of Christ Conference. He noted that while such occurrences are not unheard of for open and affirming churches, it was unexpected in this region of New Jersey. "We can no longer take our freedoms for granted," Palmer remarked.
As tensions rose, a concerning comment suggesting arson prompted members of First Congregational to involve law enforcement. The Bergen County prosecutor's office was contacted as threats against religious institutions require their involvement.
Despite safety concerns, the congregation gathered in full on Sunday morning alongside 50 residents from various backgrounds and members from neighboring UCC churches. Rev. Palmer observed this support as uplifting: "People rallied around the congregation."
Rev. Craig Petersen highlighted this event as an example of covenantal theology within UCC communities, stating that being in covenant provides strength during challenges.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson reflected on the response from neighboring congregations as indicative of divine love and commitment to one another: "This is the best of the human spirit."
For Rev. Suriano and his congregation, this experience served as both a trial and an opportunity for growth and reaffirmation of their mission toward radical inclusion.
In response to these events, First Congregational has taken steps to enhance security measures while also focusing on spiritual resilience through resources available on their website.
Suriano emphasized their renewed commitment: "We have the chance to decide now as people of God to stand in the river to make sure all our children get across safely."
