From Associated Press
NEW YORK — A former Bronx synagogue that was turned into a church was torched by assailants who smeared Satanic graffiti on its walls.
“We have no idea who did this,” said the Rev. Raymond Talavera, pastor of the 150-member nondenominational Glory of Christ Church.
Only the hard plastic pulpit survived, the pastor said.
More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, just before morning prayers at 5:30 a.m. By then, the flames in the two-story building were under control, according to fire department officials. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Words scrawled in big black letters on a wall by the church entrance — “GET OFF OUR BLOCK” — offered no clue as to who was responsible for the fiery attack, said Talavera, speaking on his cell phone outside the building.
After stealing $300 from the offering box, “they took the church chairs and made a bonfire with them,” he said.
Other Related Articles:
Respect Life Series: Violence Is Not The Answer
Church May Be Forced To Ordain Gays And Transsexuals
Church Bulletins Are Full Of Comedy
Former KKK Leader Ordained In Black Denomination
