Tag: Persecution

Vandals cause around $3,000 damage to Texas church building

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2018-04-24 Damage to church statue
(Statue damaged by vandals in Edinburg, Texas. Photo A. Rios)

Police in Edinburg, Texas are investigating the destruction of Catholic Church property.  Vandals damaged a statue of Jesus, broke a stained glass window and damaged the front entrance. The criminal act was discovered Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, according to a report from the Brownsville Herald.

This is not the first time vandals targeted the church’s statue. The pastor, Father Gregory Labus, told KRGV TV, “Several years ago, one of the fingers of the statue was broken off, that was before my time.”

Assistant Police Chief Orlando Garcia said the vandal or vandals did around 3,000 in damage. Anyone with information is asked to call the Edinburg Police Department at 956-383-7411 or the Edinburg Crime Stoppers at 956-383-8477.

Arrests made, donations help congregations following arson, vandalism and theft

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Arrest

Arson, anti-Christian graffiti and smashed windows sparked about a dozen non-related church vandalism investigations in the past week in Canada and the US.  Two arrests have been made in one of the recent cases, two more in an incident from last year.

Two teens were taken in custody for damaging the building of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Grand Falls NB. The congregation has been meeting at another location since the damage was done. Police Chief Suzanne Themens told The Victoria Star, “The investigation is continuing and they have no charges….. laid yet in court, but that will come in the future.”

Two arrests in the US came as part of an investigation into a June 7 incident in Houma, Louisiana. Multiple fires were set at the First Assembly of God church building and a computer was stolen. “God is dead,” and other anti-Christian messages were painted on the sanctuary entrance.   Houma Today reports two teens have been arrested for the church vandalism.  They are also charged with vandalism to other buildings in the city.

A Jonesborough, Tennessee church has new vans purchased with donations from sympathetic community members.  Enon Baptist Church received $25,000 in donations to replace three vans that were destroyed by vandals.  The criminals spray painted inverted crosses on the vehicles after rendering them unusable. News Channel 11 reports four teens were arrested in this case.

No arrests have been reported by police in other vandalism cases previously reported by Texas Gospel Canada.

Services disrupted after criminals damage Grand Falls NB church building

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Investigation smaller

Vandalism at the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Grand Falls has disrupted church services for around 200 parishioners, according to a report from The Victoria Star.

A church volunteer Monday discovered broken doors, anti-Christian messages and emptied fire extinguishers in the building. The parishioner said no motive for the damage has been discovered.

A church representative said services will be held at the St-George Parish while repairs are made.

Anyone with information about the criminals who damaged the church building is asked to call the Grand Falls, NB Police Force at 506-475-7767.

Teens arrested months after church Vandalism in Houma, Louisiana

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2018-04-16 Church vandalism

Police in Houma, Louisiana Friday arrested two teens for vandalism and attempted arson at the First Assembly of God Church building in Houma, Louisiana.

The vandalism happened in June. Police determined the teens were responsible for vandalism of the church while building investigating vandalism at another structure in the city, according to a report from Houmatoday.  Officers say the teens set multiple fires in the church building, but firefighters were able to put them out without major damage.  Later the same morning the teens returned and spray painted threatening messages, vulgarities and “God is dead” on the building, according to a report from WDSU.

The names of the teens have not been released because of their age.

The case was investigated by the Houma Police Department, Houma Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Arsonist sets fire to Nebraska church as children practice for concert

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2018-04-12 Arson

Investigators in Grand Island, Nebraska have not yet determined the motive of the criminal, or criminals, who set fire to a church building Wednesday evening while around 30 people, including children, were inside.

The fire was reported around 6:30 p.m.at the First Faith United Methodist church building, 4190 West Capital Ave, in north Grand Island.  According to a report from KNOP television, the arsonist set fire to bushes and grass on the side of the main building.

A church member said a youth choir was practicing in the building when the fire was set.  Everyone got out without injury.

A report from KHGI ABC Nebraska says investigators do not yet have a suspect.