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In a letter to the community, Mayor Keith J. Misciagna said the First United Church of Christ of Park Ridge was targeted by a local chapter of Moms for Liberty, a conservative activist group, which claimed the church supported pedophilia.
Misciagna condemned the accusation, calling it “heinous” and warning that hate speech can incite violence and intolerance.
The controversy escalated when a social media commenter suggested the church should be dealt with using ‘gasoline and a match,’ Misciagna said.
In response, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office was alerted, and a Park Ridge police officer was stationed at the church's Sunday service for safety, the mayor said.
When asked for comment, Alexandra Bougher, the Bergen County Moms for Liberty chair, said, "We asked why they were flying a progressive flag with MAPS colors with children using the church for activities."
On Monday, Misciagna visited the church and met with Pastor Mark Suriano, assuring him that the town stands in solidarity with the church’s congregation.
“I, and all decent people, stand with him,” Misciagna said. “There is no room for this kind of hate speech from anyone.”
Misciagna urged residents to fact-check information they read on social media, warning that misinformation can lead to real-world harm, harassment, and even threats that violate the law.
Misciagna reiterated that Park Ridge has zero tolerance for hate, adding: “When we allow hate speech to go unchecked, we risk creating a culture where division and fear can thrive.”
He urged the small, close-knit community to stand together and reject ignorance and intolerance.
“I hope that’s the end of it,” Misciagna said. “We don’t need this in the history of our beloved town.”
Moms for Liberty describes itself as an organization “dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government,” according to its website.
The group also states: “We are Moms, Dads, Grands, Aunts, Uncles, Friends. Moms for Liberty welcomes all that have a desire to stand up for parental rights at all levels of government.”
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