A Wisconsin man is behind bars after police say he walked into a church and set fire to one of Christianity’s most recognizable symbols: the crucifix.
According to TMJ4, the bizarre incident unfolded inside Pilgrim Lutheran Church in West Bend, Wisconsin.
West Bend police said the 50-year-old man entered the church with a lighter and allegedly used it to set a crucifix on fire. Church staff confronted the man, who then fled the building.
But he didn’t make it far.
Officers found him near the church and took him into custody, TMJ4 reported.
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The flames never spread beyond the crucifix. Police said that the crucifix sustained only minor damage, and no injuries were reported.
The man was brought to the Washington County Jail on allegations of arson and recklessly endangering safety.
Authorities have not released the man’s name or publicly identified a motive behind the incident.
In a moment when attacks and acts of vandalism against houses of worship continue to demand attention, this incident is yet another reminder that churches cannot afford to take safety—or prayer—for granted.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
