Pride Flag Removed After Church Sign Smashed in Banff

BANFF, Alberta - The outdoor announcement sign at Rundle Memorial United Church was found smashed last week, with a volunteer discovering the broken glass scattered across the snow early on the morning of November 28. Church staff reported the incident to the RCMP immediately, but so far no motive has been identified.

“We simply do not know what motivated the person who damaged the sign,” said Rev. Marco Ste-Marie, minister for Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, which includes congregations in both Banff and Canmore. “We suspect it may have been connected to the Pride flag, as church vandalism across the country is often directed at symbols of inclusion like that. However, we have no clear indication of the motive at this time, and we do not want to make assumptions.”

The sign’s front glass panel had been shattered, leaving a wide spray of jagged fragments on the ground and dislodging several of the removable letters. A small Pride flag that had been placed inside the sign by congregation members was removed. Rev. Ste-Marie said that flag was meant to signal the church’s intention to be a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ2S+ people in the Bow Valley.

“We are an Affirming church,” he said. “We intentionally affirm and support the LGBTQ2S+ community and all who may feel on the margins. That flag is there to let people know that this is a safe and welcoming place for them. This incident will not sway us from that commitment.”

The vandalism was first noticed by a volunteer passing the church’s thrift store, who immediately notified police and church leadership. The RCMP have confirmed they are investigating but have not provided any updates on potential suspects or motives.

As far as the church is aware, this is the first act of vandalism targeting either of its locations. While congregation members are saddened, Rev. Ste-Marie said the response has been marked by solidarity rather than fear.

“Within the congregation, people are saddened but not defeated,” he said. “This event has prompted prayer, conversation, and a renewed commitment to inclusion. We will not let fear close our doors or silence our message of welcome.”

Church leaders shared the news publicly soon after the incident, hoping to be transparent and to reaffirm their values. The broader Bow Valley community responded with messages of support, which Rev. Ste-Marie said have helped steady the congregation in the days since.

“The response we have received, messages, emails, words of support, has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply encouraging,” he said. “This act of vandalism is not representative of Banff, of Canmore, or of the Bow Valley. We know how caring and community-minded the people of this valley are.”

Although the damage to the sign will require repairs, Rev. Ste-Marie said the church’s focus is on ensuring people understand they remain welcome, especially those who may feel targeted by acts like this.

“This was an isolated act, but it has had the opposite effect of what hate usually intends,” he said. “It has reaffirmed our dedication and purpose.”

The incident comes one month after Banff’s Pride crosswalk was deliberately defaced with black paint, which prompted cleanup efforts by the Town of Banff and a public response from Banff Pride. At the time, local advocates described the crosswalk vandalism as part of a wider pattern of hostility toward LGBTQ2S+ symbols, although they also emphasized that the Bow Valley community overwhelmingly supports inclusion. For Rev. Ste-Marie, the connection is not lost, even if the motive in the church incident remains unconfirmed. “These events do not happen in a vacuum,” he said, “but love and solidarity in this community run much deeper.”