'All are welcome in this place': Norwich United Church holds Pride service in divided small town
It was a colourful congregation inside Norwich United Church (NUC), in Norwich, Ont. during its second annual Pride service.
“We’re here to support because it's not just about Pride Month, it's about the safety of our communities,” said Elizabeth Quinto, who was attending the service. “It's important that we all come together and promote diversity equity inclusion.”
Songs including the lyrics “All are welcome in this place” were performed during the nearly hour-long service.
The celebration comes six weeks after Norwich Council decided not to fly the pride flag on municipal property during the month of June.
The service also was happening at nearly the same time as the Netherlands Reformed Congregation (NRC) was holding its Sunday reading. The NRC has expressed its opposition to the LGBTQ2S+ community by posting on its website “any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God.”
“All of a sudden it became a big issue in this town,” said Janice Pow, a pastor at the NUC. “We stood up and it wasn't easy for everybody. But the more you see that you can't be silent against injustice.”
A colourful congregation at Norwich United Church waves pride flags during the Sunday Pride service on June 4, 2023 in Norwich, Ont. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
With OPP standing by to keep the peace, members of Oxford County Pride (OCP) packed the front pews of NUC.
“Is there a divide here? Absolutely,” said Tammy Murray, president of OCP. “Is there an avenue to bring that together? Hopefully one day. Sometimes we have to dispel myths, and I think this is the journey that we're taking to do so. I have to say I’m really proud of this community for mobilizing.”
After the service, nearly 100 people joined in a solidarity march through the downtown.
“I think it's important for people to understand that human rights is not up for debate,” said Melissa Holden, the organizer of the march. “It's not a negotiation, and everyone's entitled to their rights. But your rights end where mine begin.”
Norwich, Ont. resident Vic Woodcroft leads a “solidarity march” through the downtown on June 4, 2023. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
Norwich Mayor Jim Palmer, who was the deciding vote in council's decision not to fly the pride flag this month, still has not spoke to the media since the decision.
CTV News London contacted Palmer on Sunday by phone, but when we identified ourselves, he immediately hung up.
“We are taking the town back,” said outspoken resident Vic Woodcroft, who led the march in his scooter. “We're going to take people to task and we're going to make Jim Palmer answer his phone and take accountability. He obviously is ashamed of what he's done, or he would have been picking up his phone by now. And so it's time that we made him understand that we will not stand for this.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.