It has come to our attention that a cemetery, maintained by Faith United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, among other parishes, is being used as a plonking site for political signs by members of both political parties. Apparently DelDOT has permitted this signage to exist along a state road. Faith UMC members passing by the cemetery near the Route 24 intersection with Coastal Highway, across from the McDonalds location, have stopped periodically to remove these signs.
Although the nature of the land use is obvious, it has not stopped the influx of replacement signs. It should be obvious to all that a private cemetery is no place for campaigning, but a place of peace, spirituality, and remembrance. Parishioners and others who have family or friends interred at the site have found the practice hurtful and disgraceful. As far as we know neither the church, nor other church cemeteries have been similarly dishonored.
Finally, as the church is nonpartisan and does not take a stance in any election, the signage is in conflict with our church policy. However, it seems that it has become necessary to publish this intrusion to the public and request that there should be no further encroachment upon the cemetery fronting Coastal Highway with campaign paraphernalia. In fact, the church members are asking that any remaining signs on the property be removed immediately by those responsible.
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