Category: News affecting the Church

Sunday Report 10/27/2019

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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.

Oregon man accused of intentionally driving into side of church building

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An Oregon sanctuary was packed for Christmas services in spite of damage caused by a man accused of intentionally driving into the side of the building.

The Bulletin reports more than 500 families crowded into Our Lady of Lavang’s damage building on Christmas Eve.

“We have a very strong community and support here,” Henry Tran told the paper, as more than a dozen young musicians from the Lavang Youth Chamber Orchestra took to the stage, playing a jolly rendition of “Sleigh Ride.”

KOIN6 Television on Wednesday reported Hieu John Phung, the man accused of causing the damage, is freeon on a personal recognizance bond.  He is due in court Wednesday afternoon to be arraigned on a first-degree criminal mischief charge.

Police say Phung is not a member of the church.  Officials have not released a motive for the attack.

$5,000 offered to find arsonist who targeted Arizona church

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(Photos: ATF)

Authorities have announced a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for an arson that destroyed the sanctuary of the Huachuca United Methodist Church in Huachuca, Arizona, USA. The reward was announced via a press release from the Huachuca police department.

The Fire was discovered shortly after 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. The ATF has confirmed the fire was intentionally set.

A Facebook post shared on the Church’s Facebook page says, “As many people in the community have heard, the United Methodist church in Huachuca City was burned in a fire on the evening of October 18th. While we are saddened by this loss, we remember these words from Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Please be in prayer for the Huachuca UMC congregation as they deal with this loss and look for a place to have worship and do ministry.”

A motive for the attack has not yet been determined.

 

Illinois police: Man spray painted anti-religious messages and tried to set church on fire

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CORRIGAN - Luke Corrigan
(Photo: Orland Park, Illinois Police)

An Orland Park, Illinois man is facing felony hate crime charges after repeated vandalism of a church.

According to Channel 5 in Chicago, Illinois, Luke Corrigan, 23, was arrested on Friday after the last vandalism at Living Word Lutheran Church. The Chicago Tribune says he spray painted “anti-religious words” on the door of the church.

A news release from the Orlando Park Police Department says Corrigan tried to set the church building on fire. The release says surveillance cameras captured the latest act of vandalism and an Orland Park officer recognized Corrigan.

Corrigan is charged with five counts of third-degree felony Hate Crime to a church, and one count of first-degree felony arson to a place of worship.

UPDATE: Seattle police release photos of suspect in church arson

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The Seattle, Washington Police Department this week released surveillance photos of a man they say threw lit incendiary devices at a church building during Thursday evening service.

CLICK HERE to read previous coverage

The FBI and the police department are jointly investigating the attack.  No further information has been released.