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Dear Ann-Marie, The United Reformed Church (URC) Wessex Synod has welcomed a formal legal notice issued by Oxfordshire County Council addressing the repeated installation of flags on or near highways without consent. Since last summer, thousands of flags have appeared on lampposts across the UK. The council said the installations were not an act of patriotism but “an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities”. Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status. We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity.” In a statement, the Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, Moderator of the URC Wessex Synod expressed praise for the council’s action and commitment to social cohesion, saying: “Churches are called to be people of hope, not fear. We welcome any step that helps ensure our streets and public spaces are places of safety, dignity, and neighbourliness for all. As A Million Acts of Hope approaches, we want to affirm all that brings communities together, and to bear witness to the God who calls us away from division into compassion, justice, and a shared common life.” The URC is joining faith groups and other organisations in supporting the national “A Million Acts of Hope” week of action, taking place 13-20 May. The initiative is designed to show that there is more that connects us than divides us. Learn all about the A Million Acts of Hope initiative and download free resources. Notes to Editor: To arrange a media interview, please contact Ann-Marie Nye, URC Communications Officer (Public Issues and Global & Intercultural Church), on 07976 753 950. Alternatively, please email ann-marie.nye@urc.org.uk
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