Criminal acts against churches reported in North America this week have continued at about the average rate.

The Riverhead News-Review reports Lee Ragland, 33, was caught on surveillance video setting fire to a church in the state of New York.  The Fire Marshal told Riverhead Local it could have been much worse if it were not for quick action by firefighters. Ragland been charged with felony third-degree arson. His actions caused major damage to the building of Luz en tu Senda church.  No motive have been announced.

The St. Alban’s Episcopal church, also in the State of New York, was vandalized by criminals who spray painted a pentagram and the number 666 on the front door. Syracuse.com reports the vandal’s work was cleaned up within a few hours.

A fifth church vandalism within four months in Crowley, Louisiana is being investigated as a hate crime. The latest incident happened at the Jerusalem Baptist church in Crowley.  Local news reports say the motivation of the attacks may be racial, but officials have not yet made that determination.

Keep these folks in your prayers as they deal with the aftermath of those who have no respect for a house of worship.