Here is the text of the 2023 MLive article interviewing Rev. Saperstein of NPC and Rev. Ferguson of SA in response to the recurrent vandalism of our Pride flags. The vandalism has been ongoing at our Plymouth Road sign since then (as of Summer 2025). At present we continue this ministry by passing out flags at Pride and setting out small flags for passers-by during June.
“ANN ARBOR, MI — After their LGBTQ pride flag was stolen twice in recent weeks, a pair of Ann Arbor churches are responding the only way they know how — giving away more flags.
St Aidan’s Episcopal Church and Northside Presbyterian Church, which share the building at 1679 Broadway St. in Ann Arbor, are launching a “Need A Flag, Take A Flag” event on Sunday, June 11. The event will feature 300 LGBTQ pride flags and allow anyone in need of a flag to take home their own handheld versions.
Although the event is in part a Pride Month celebration, the inspiration for it comes from the theft of the churches’ own flags.
On April 3, church leadership received an email saying someone had removed the flag and thrown it into the bushes. On June 1, the churches reported the replaced flag had been stolen completely.
“I still haven’t found it,” said the Rev. Thomas Ferguson, vicar at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Jenny Saperstein, pastor at Northside Presbyterian Church, told Ferguson, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, that whoever took it must have needed a flag.
“She said, let’s answer this with something positive,” Ferguson said.
The churches, which often partner on social justice issues, will have 300 flags available and plan to order more if they run out. Launching the event on a Sunday allows the entire congregation to get involved with the advocacy, Saperstein said.
“It’s really this church community that stands for that,” Saperstein said. “Not just the pastors.”
Hearing affirming messaging from churches is especially important for marginalized communities, Ferguson said.
“We want everyone to know that God loves everybody, even people who would be offended by our flag,” Ferguson said. “Everybody is part of God’s kingdom.”
Flags are available starting at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, at the churches’ building. The churches plan to keep the lawns stocked at least through June. Flags will be available on both the Plymouth Road and Broadway Street sides of the building.
“We’ll hope to change hearts and minds with love,” Ferguson said. “We’re not going away, and we’re not changing our stance here with the oppressed.”
Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to reach out to the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734-794-6920.”
NEED A FLAG, TAKE A FLAG — MLive Article 2023
NEED A FLAG, TAKE A FLAG — CBS NEW DETROIT COVERAGE 6/12/23