Tag: Christian

Two youth arrested for Las Vegas church arson

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Two minors have been arrested for a June 2017 church arson that caused over $13 million in damage. An Associated Press story printed in the Herald Courier says the names of the youth involved are not released because of their age.

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Church trustee Charlie Blake spoke to KTNV television the morning of the fire in 2017. “Even though it looks like it’s devastating, God will rebuild this church,” Blake said to the TV station.  “Everything happens for a reason,” he said.

No one was injured in the fire that damaged Zion Methodist Church’s building according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  The paper said an ATF spokesperson is referring all questions about a motive for the fire to county prosecutors.

 

 

Vandals leave anti-Christian graffiti at Halifax church

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Vandals spray-painted anti-Christian messages at a Halifax church building and cemetery late Sunday evening according to a report from CTV. The damage was discovered at St. Theresa’s Church and nearby Mount Olivet Cemetery.

 

Archbishop Anthony Mancini told Global News, ““It is not only the physical damage done which is upsetting, but the expression of anti-Christian feelings and hate which is most worrisome.”

The Ottawa Citizen reports this is the second time this spring that vandals have targeted Halifax Christian sites.

The motive of the vandals has not yet been determined.

Are atheists belief free?

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CHURCH

Is it true that atheists are simply people who are not convinced there is a God?  For some who claim the title “atheist” this is the case even though Webster says the difference between an atheist and agnostic is that an atheist BELIEVES there is no God.  But I question those who claim in online debates that they have no belief when some very strongly take the position that there is no God.   I question their position even more firmly when they resort to calling God my “imaginary friend.” To say that God is imaginary goes beyond simply not believing that He exists.  It is not honest for an individual to say God is imaginary while claiming they do not have a position.

There are anti-religious organizations for those who believe there is no God. Arguably one of the largest is the Freedom From Religion Foundation.  Billboards such as the one recently put up in Cobb County Georgia that reads, “Supernatural belief – the enemy of Humanity” make it clear the organization is anti-religion.  A press release from the organization claims that by giving up supernaturalism, we all can have a more fulfilling life, though it does not say how. Would it make sense to claim that belief in the supernatural is harmful if one had no opinion on the matter?  To believe faith in God is harmful is to have a belief.

People are individuals.  Each of us finds fulfillment in our own way.  It is obvious that some atheists do not find fulfillment in a life devoid of spirituality.  Gabriel Ross Parker, for example, fatally shot two classmates.  He said he did it because he was an atheist and his life and the lives of others had no purpose, something that came out in testimony following the shooting. Here is the video.   I make no claim that being an atheist leads everyone to become homicidal.  To say this would be to make a hasty generalization similar to the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s billboard that says all belief in the supernatural is harmful.

So why would an atheist who believes there is no God claim he or she simply has no opinion? Well, one reason is that it is a good debate tactic.  A person who makes a claim has the responsibility of providing evidence for their claim.  To take the position that one is not making a claim shifts the burden to the other individual. But it strains credulity when a person who says they are not making a claim refers to God as imaginary and supports a billboard saying religion is the enemy of humanity.  Is it not more likely that the god of this world has blinded them to the truth?

Criminals paint anti-Christian and NAZI symbols on Orange, Texas church building

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Criminals
(PHOTO: KOGT Radio)

ORANGE, TEXAS – Criminals in Orange, Texas painted a swastika, anti-Christian graffiti, and sexual images on the main building of St. Mary Catholic Church in the city’s Historic District.

According to a report from KOGT Radio,  Orange police are investigating the graffiti as a misdemeanor criminal mischief case. Orange County District Attorney John Kimbrough said the incident could be a more serious offense, but first the facts need to be gathered.

St. Mary Church has been a part of the Orange community for more than 100 years.

A motive for the vandalism has not been announced.

Vandalism suspect arrested inside Ohio church sanctuary

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(Photos: Columbus Division of Police)

Police in Columbus Ohio released body camera video from an officer arresting a man they say caused around $100,000 damage to a church Sanctuary.

A police spokesperson said Mason Christian Mayerchak, 30, of Blacklick, Ohio, was caught in the sanctuary of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus just before 6 p.m. Saturday.  The spokesperson said Mayerchak appeared to be intoxicated and refused to leave when church officials asked him to go.

The first responding officer found broken glass all over the cathedral and caught Mayerchak pulling a stain glass window apart. The vandalism was also caught on surveillance video.

Mayerchak is accused of damaging a church pew, gospel stand, gospel book, vestment, alter candle sticks, tabernacle, incensor & stand, processional fans, gospel cross & a $40,000 stain glass window.

Officers say after he was placed in the cruiser he began kicking the door so his legs had to be retrained in addition to being handcuffed.

Mason Mayerchak faces a charge of vandalism.

A motive for the vandalism is not yet known.

A Church spokesperson issued the following statement:

On May 26 at approximately 5:30 PM, an individual was able to gain access into the Cathedral where he proceeded to damage a number of items in the altar area and upon the altar table – including the tabernacle, a stained glass window, the fans carried by the altar boys and more. Additionally, most (if not all) of the vigil candles were broken. Due to the cleanup efforts of our clergy and others, Divine Liturgy took place on May 27 (Pentecost) as planned.

The security cameras in the Cathedral, the alarm system and our on-site monitor captured the crime in progress and the Columbus Police Department was called. Thanks to CPD’s quick response, the individual was arrested while still in the act of vandalizing the Cathedral. We ask that you please pray for this individual, that he may see his erroneous ways and seek forgiveness.

At this time, the full extent of the damages are still being assessed and understood in part because the vandalism took place over a holiday weekend. We will continue to update the parish family as more information becomes available. This unfortunate incident is a reminder to us all that our Cathedral property is situated in a high-traffic area of Columbus. It is critical that we all remain vigilant, make sure doors are closed and locked and follow the axiom “if you see something, say something.”

In Christ,

Fr. Demetrios Gardikes
Dean of the Cathedral