Nov 20, 2008 4:49 pm US/Pacific
Landmark Church Vandalized Twice In 2 Months
SONORA (CBS13) ―
Vandals shattered stained glass at a Sonora church twice in two months.
The church, a Tuolumne County landmark, was built 150 years ago. The stained glass window worth thousands was smashed by a rock thrown by vandals. The evidence is still wedged between the window and plexiglass that is supposed to protect it.
Saint James Anglican Church, known to many locals and tourists as the "Big Red Church," has been around since the 1800s. It is a Sonora landmark that fascinates many.
"People that come here to worship with us say they feel a sense of warmth and family here," says a Saint James Priest.
That warm feeling is turning to blood boiling anger after being that this is the second time in less than two months the church has been vandalized.
"Sounds like it's kids 'cause they don't have any respect for the church," says one church member.
A church, Father Wolfgang Krismanits admits, does deal with controversy.
"We do take strong stands on issues," says Father Wolfgang Krismanits.
Issues like, being against abortion and gay marriage. But, Father Krismanits is not sure if that is the reason the church was targeted.
"Usually when the church is attacked they leave some sort of message," Father Krismanits explains.
But, this priest has his own message for those who caused the nearly $5,000 in damage, and it come from right out of the Bible.
"For if you forgive others the wrongs they have done your heavenly father will also forgive you," Father Krismanits said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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