WASHINGTON — For the second time in two weeks, someone has vandalized a Bethesda congregation’s “Black Lives Matter” sign.

The word “black” was carefully cut out of a banner at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, leaving only “lives matter” in view.

The new sign had been up less than a week — a similar incident happened July 29.

“We’re angry, we’re upset, we feel violated once again,” said the Rev. Louise Green. “We also feel determined that we’re not going to back down.”

Both times, the vandalism occurred in the middle of the afternoon. “I think video surveillance is an option on the table, but we haven’t made any decisions about that as of yet,” Green said.

Green said the congregation would stick to its message of keeping attention and compassion on issues affecting black lives.

The congregation already has a new sign ready to go up in the same location.