An Amherst church community has filed a complaint with the Amherst Police after a sign in front of the church was vandalized sometime Wednesday.
Leaders at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst (UUCA) on Main Street in Amherst say someone used black paint to cover the word "Black" on the "Black Lives Matter" sign in front of the church.
Church leaders installed the sign in October 2016 to "bring awareness of the the difficulties faced by minority members of our community and nation." They say the sign has not been vandalized until now.
We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person," said Rev. Michelle Buhite, a minister at UUCA. "This is our faith and why we have been called to this mission. There is a need for this kind of conversation in our community and we are ready to have it.”
Hella Jacob, chair of the UUCA’s Board of Trustees, said the church hopes to repair the sign but will replace it if necessary.
“This act of vandalism will only serve to deepen our commitment to remind our community that black lives do matter," Jacob said. She added the church is working to implement a new program, "Living the Pledge to End Racism" in the community.
Amherst Police are investigating the act of vandalism. Anyone with information should call (716) 689-1311.
