‘Black Lives Matter’ banner stolen from All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church building

A banner reading “Black Lives Matter” was stolen over the weekend from the front of the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church building at 4501 Walnut St.

Officials announced the theft after Kansas City Mayor Sly James’ speech Sunday at the church.

“The screws are gone so it is pretty clear someone removed it,” said the announcement read by Michael Duffy. “I hope you’ll agree with us that this is not OK and that our community will not be silenced by these cowardly vandals.”

The police were notified, and church officials began collecting donations for a replacement banner that will be placed in a higher and more visible spot.

“Help answer this cheap meanness with generosity,” the announcement said.

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 4:44 PM with the headline "‘Black Lives Matter’ banner stolen from All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church building."