Halifax-area RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying the people responsible for vandalism at a church in Sackville.
Police say they are looking for two suspects who are responsible for vandalizing a church on Sackville Drive in Sackville some time between midnight and 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Security camera footage captured video of the two people using spray foam on doors and spray paint on the exterior walls of the building. Police say “derogatory comments and property damage were caused to the church.”
“A lot of the graffiti was vulgar and some of the words were hurtful,” said Russ Conway, lead pastor of Rock Church. “Initially, you have an internal anger that rises up but I remind myself we have to do as Jesus taught us to do and that is to be kind and forgive.”
The damage to the church was extensive. Sprawling messages and graphic images and doors spray foamed shut.It took two days to clean up.
“This is not art, this is a poor excuse for attention,” said RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dal Hutchinson. “There are more appropriate ways to express yourself; this is not one of them.”
This is the second church in the Halifax area that has been targeted by vandals this week. St. Theresa's Church on Oxford Street was also defaced by vandals early Monday morning. The Catholic Mount Olivet Cemetery on Mumford Road in Halifax was also vandalized the same night.
At Rock Church, they're preparing for Sunday service with a message for whoever is behind the vandalism.
“My message to them is we forgive you and we look at them and we think something different must be driving this,” Conway said. “Something hurting.”
The suspects could face mischief charges or more serious charges of mischief charges over $5,000 as the price tag to clean up and repairs adds up.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Halifax District RCMP at 902-490-5020. If you wish to remain anonymous call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.