SW News: Michigan police are looking into a break-in and vandalism that occurred inside Holy Family Catholic Church on Wednesday morning.
The vandals were recorded on camera, according to Lt. Bryan Byarski of the Grand Blanc City Police Department, and investigators were collaborating with church officials to identify the suspects.
He thinks that since the suspects were loitering near the church and checking doors, the break-in was an opportunity crime. They entered after discovering an unlocked door and did substantial damage.
At least one crucifix in the church was broken by the vandals. Other precious and non-sacred items in the church have been destroyed, according to the church's main pastor Father Joe Krupp, but the suspects were unable to enter the school. Krupp said on Facebook that none of the damage was irreparable or prevented the team from carrying out its task.
Wednesday morning, a reason for the break-in and vandalism was unknown. But Krupp pointed out that in recent years, there has been an increase in vandalism and degradation of Catholic churches.
The precious items that were harmed overnight, according to Krupp, will be buried and replaced. He requested forgiveness from his congregation and asked them to pray for the suspects.
It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to behave as He did, Krupp said. "Whatever their motivations, if they even had any, these people are our patients, not our enemies. To be clear, I must remind us all that this is not an option Jesus offers us, this is a command He gives us," he added.