Pastor forgives vandals who spray-painted apology on the church's walls

A pastor in Indiana has accepted the apology of the vandals who ruined his church, even if the apology was spray-painted on the walls inside the place of worship.

Church vandals in Indiana wrote their apology using spray paint on the church's walls. Pixabay/padrinan

Pastor Mark Petty, who heads the Woodside Community Church in Johnson County, told reporters that while he's disappointed, he still forgives the vandals who desecrated the sanctuary. Stunned by the graffiti that covered every single wall, Petty said that he would still consider welcoming the vandals to his youth group.

"We love them and, as a church, we'd love to have them come back and do the right thing," the pastor said.

Police have not yet made any arrests over the vandalism that will set back the church thousands of dollars to repair and restore. Petty believes that the vandals used the backdoor entrance to breach the church.  They spray painted all over the walls with graffiti and swear words, and covered the lower floor with fire extinguisher foam.

On one wall corner, however, the vandals used orange paint to write, "Sorry, just realized this wuz (sic) a church."

The pastor believes that the perpetrators were truly regretful, as not many vandals would take the time to write an apology. They also did not steal the 54-inch television, DVD player and computers in the church's offices.

The church is planning to install a security system to prevent another break-in and vandalism.

 

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.