Bishop Mark Eckman expressed sorrow over vandalism at a Pittsburgh church, which is now under federal investigation. Anti-Catholic and antisemitic graffiti was found on the exterior of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. The FBI is leading the investigation into the vandalism at the Pittsburgh church. Law enforcement in Kansas are closing in on suspects who vandalized a parish building and scrawled swastikas.
5 months ago
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating extensive anti-Catholic and antisemitic vandalism at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania 1. The incident, believed to have occurred between July 8 and 9, involved spray-painted graffiti on an exterior statue of Mary and commemorative plaques on a bell tower and convent door 1. The Diocese of Pittsburgh confirmed the "concerning vandalism" and is cooperating fully with law enforcement 1.
Bishop Mark Eckman of Pittsburgh expressed "great sorrow" over the "hateful vandalism," emphasizing that the anti-Catholic and antisemitic messages wounded the parish and the entire diocesan family 1. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is also aware of the incident, highlighting the broader community impact 1. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounced both attacks, expressing solidarity with Catholic and Jewish communities and urging swift apprehension of those responsible 1.
In a separate but similarly disturbing case, law enforcement in Barton County, Kansas, has identified three juvenile suspects involved in extensively damaging a Catholic parish education building, the former St. Ann School, in Olmitz 1. This vandalism, reported on July 10, included upended furniture, strewn books, and "several small fires" 1. Disturbingly, large swastikas were found, one formed with white powder on a desktop and another drawn in red on a chalkboard with the phrase "all Hail Hitler" 1.
Barton County Undersheriff Stephen Billinger stated that public information led them to the three juvenile suspects, whose identities will not be released due to their minor status 1. Anticipated charges in the Kansas case include arson, burglary, and criminal damage 1. While the FBI's Pittsburgh field office could not confirm or deny its investigation into the Pennsylvania incident due to Department of Justice policy, Bishop Eckman affirmed the FBI is leading the inquiry 1.
How does the Church respond to hatred and religious intolerance?
The Catholic Church addresses hatred by distinguishing between hatred of evil and sinful hatred directed at a person. It condemns religious intolerance as a violation of human dignity and a fundamental human right, advocating for religious freedom for all.
The Church identifies two forms of hatred:
Hatred is fundamentally opposed to love . It is considered a disorder of the human will, which is the root of sin. While external actions that hurt a neighbor might seem worse, the inward hatred is more grievous because it corrupts the will . Hatred is also linked with other sins such as lying, slander, envy, and violence, and it fills the heart with "devilish poison" . The Church teaches that hatred of God, the supreme goodness, is the most wicked and detestable crime, committed by all who despise and violate His commandments .
However, the Church also clarifies that one can hate the sin in a person without hating the person themselves. For instance, while one must honor parents, one should hate anything in them that obstructs the attainment of divine justice . Similarly, God hates the sin in a detractor, not their nature, and thus, one can hate detractors without sin by hating their sin .
The Catholic Church strongly condemns religious intolerance, asserting that religious freedom is a fundamental human right rooted in the dignity of the human person . This right means that no one should be coerced to act contrary to their beliefs, whether privately or publicly, within due limits .
Key principles regarding religious freedom and intolerance include:
In summary, the Church responds to hatred by condemning it as a grave sin against charity when directed at persons, while permitting the hatred of evil itself. It combats religious intolerance by upholding religious freedom as a fundamental human right derived from human dignity, advocating for the freedom of all to profess and practice their faith without coercion, and highlighting the witness of those who suffer persecution for their beliefs.