Category: News affecting the Church

Arson Fire Destroys Church in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan

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JEFF TURNER

A fire that destroyed a church in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, in September 2024, has been determined to be the result of arson, according to a news release from Loon Lake RCMP. The press release says a suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.

On the morning of September 28, 2024, Loon Lake RCMP were called to respond to a fire at a church on Main Street in Loon Lake. When officers arrived, the building was already fully engulfed in flames. Loon Lake Fire Services were on the scene, working to control the blaze. Fortunately, no one was in the church at the time, and no injuries were reported.

Initially, the RCMP described the investigation as being in its early stages. Officers asked the public for help, encouraging anyone who had seen anything suspicious or who had security camera footage from the area to come forward. At the time, the cause of the fire was unknown, and police considered it suspicious.

After weeks of investigation, RCMP announced an arrest in the case. On December 7, 2024, 25-year-old Shandon Chief, from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, was taken into custody. He has been charged with one count of arson under Section 434 of the Criminal Code. In addition, Chief was arrested for breaching a conditional sentence order.

Shandon Chief appeared in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on December 9, 2024. The RCMP have not released additional details about the evidence that led to the arrest.

The destruction of the church marks a significant loss for the Loon Lake community. Police continue to encourage anyone with information about the fire to contact them.

Vandalism Strikes Historic U.S. Church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A church in the U.S. is addressing extensive damage caused by an act of vandalism, with repair costs estimated to reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Authorities are investigating after St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Church in Michigan City, Indiana, was vandalized, leading to significant disruptions to its services. The damage, discovered by Associate Pastor Zach Glick, included shattered stained-glass windows, broken doors, and the destruction of a century-old statue of Saint Joseph. According to Father Glick, the financial impact of the repairs could range from $20,000 to $40,000. However, he noted that certain losses, such as the destruction of historic and symbolic items, cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Local police confirmed that they are continuing their investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, repair efforts at the church are ongoing.

Impact of Assad’s Fall on Syrian Christians

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow and been granted asylum by Russia, according to Russian media reports. Assad’s departure follows years of conflict and his eventual removal from power during the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Assad’s regime collapse was directly linked to Israel’s military actions targeting Iran and Hezbollah, an allied group based in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s comments underline the broader regional implications of Assad’s fall. So, what does this mean for the Syrian Christian population?

The Christian community in Syria has deep historical roots, dating back to the apostolic era. Advocacy groups emphasize that preserving this community is crucial to preventing further radicalization and instability in the region. Before the conflict began in 2011, Christians made up about 10 per cent of Syria’s population, or approximately 1.5 million people. This number has now fallen to around 300,000 due to war-related challenges such as economic hardship, persecution, and violence.

Persecution by extremist groups has driven many Christians to leave Syria. Radical jihadist factions within the rebel coalition have targeted Christian communities, leading to incidents of violence, crime, and property damage.

The fall of Assad has raised concerns among Syrian Christians about their future. They fear a scenario similar to Iraq after Saddam Hussein, where instability allowed extremist violence to thrive, targeting minorities. Rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have pledged to respect Syria’s religious and cultural diversity. Despite reassurances from rebel leaders, many Christians remain uncertain about their safety in a post-Assad Syria. Some Christians have fled while others will try to keep their faith and traditions.

Motive unknown following vandalism at U.S. church

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

A statue at Holy Cross Church in Harrison, New Jersey, was vandalized on December 3, 2024, according to the Harrison Police Department.

The incident came to light when a friend of the church’s priest noticed the statue was missing and informed him. The church, located in Hudson County, later provided surveillance footage to the police for review.

Video evidence shows a man approaching the church and surveying the area before attempting to push the statue over. When the initial effort failed, the man returned and destroyed the statue completely.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect or established a motive for the act. The investigation is ongoing.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them as they continue to work on the case.

Young children injured in shooting at religious school in California

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Investigators in the U.S. are working to find out if a man targeted a small religious school in Northern California on Wednesday when he opened fire, critically injuring two kindergartners, before taking his own life.

Authorities believe the shooter may have targeted the school, Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, because of its religious connection. However, he had no known link to the school or the victims. Sheriff Kory L. Honea said more information is needed to determine if this was a hate crime or part of a larger plan.

The two boys, aged 5 and 6, are in critical but stable condition. Sheriff Honea expressed relief that they survived but noted they face a long recovery.

The gunman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was dropped off by an Uber driver before the shooting. Detectives are interviewing the driver as part of the investigation.

Before the shooting, the man had a meeting with a school administrator about enrolling a child. The meeting was described as “cordial,” and this was his first time at the school. Soon after, gunfire erupted.

The gunman’s body was found near the school’s playground. A handgun was discovered nearby.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OROVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our Hearts Are with Feather River Adventist School

The Oroville Police has Increased School Security to Support Our Community

“The Oroville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victims, families, and the entire community affected by the tragic incident that occurred on December 4, 2024, at Feather River Adventist School. No parent, child, or educator should ever face such an unimaginable event, and our hearts go out to all those impacted.

Butte County has endured more than its share of hardships, and this incident strikes at the core of our close-knit community. Events like this remind us of the importance of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for one another.

The Oroville Police Department will continue to offer our support to the Butte County Sheriff (Office) in any way we can to assist their ongoing investigation.

We understand that incidents of this nature, especially when they happen close to home, can create heightened anxiety for parents, students, and school staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority.

To provide reassurance and a sense of security, the Oroville Police Department has increased its presence at all school campuses in Oroville. Our officers, including our School Resource Officers, are trained for situations like this and are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, educators, and families.

Officers will remain on campus to offer visible support and ensure everyone’s safety during this difficult time. We encourage anyone experiencing anxiety or in need of support to reach out to school counselors or local resources available in our community.

Together, we will navigate this tragedy and work toward healing as a community.”