SW News: The United States is witnessing more attacks on churches across the country by alleged pro-choice supporters after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, which legalized abortion in 1973. In the latest incident, a Catholic church in Bethesda, Maryland, was torched and its tabernacle and sacred objects desecrated on July 10.

It was in the wee hours of Sunday that the Montgomery County fire department responded to a distress call after the pews of St Jane Frances de Chantal Church on Old Georgetown Road were found ablaze. As many as 65 firefighters had to struggle for hours to douse the flames. The damages are estimated at around $50,000.

During Sunday Mass, which was offered in the Christopher Hall Gymnasium of the church, Fr Samuel Giese said attackers overturned sacred statues and tore down the Stations of the Cross. “They also desecrated the tabernacle and tried to set the church on fire,” he added. The vicar said the vandalism was committed in retaliation against the overturning of Roe v Wade and the Church’s stand on abortion. He also referred to the deep political fissure on abortion, adding that it has deepened with the Supreme Court ruling.

“I believe that this is because of the Church’s stand on the issue of life: when it begins, and that it should be protected. And that this is one of the manifestations of the deep divisions right now within our country. That there are those who believe that we do not have even the right to practice our faith,” Fr Giese said.

The Archdiocese of Washington expressed shock and sadness over the desecration. A probe is underway and initial reports indicate it was indeed an act of arson. This is the second time this church is coming under attack.

Separately, two other churches in the vicinity were also damaged on Saturday, July 9. The Wildwood Baptist Church and North Bethesda United Methodist Church were damaged by miscreants. They also vandalized a cemetery adjoining Wildwood Church.