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
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."