The statue outside St Alban’s Church in Warrington was vandalised over the weekend
The war memorial before the graffiti and beheading of Jesus
A reverend says his Catholic church is being persecuted after a war memorial featuring Jesus on a cross was desecrated and beheaded ahead of Remembrance Day.
Parishioners were left ‘upset’ to arrive at St Alban’s Church in Warrington, Cheshire, on Sunday morning to find the war memorial had been desecrated.
Images show the statue of Jesus Christ on the cross without a head and what appears to be green and black paint daubed across his body. The cross topped the church’s memorial that honours and contains the names of people who died in both world wars.
The church’s Reverend Canon Christopher Cunningham spoke out on Facebook to brand the beheading as ‘evil’ and a ‘true persecution’ of Jesus and the Catholic Church.
The war memorial with the graffiti and beheaded Jesus just days before Remembrance Day
He added that graffiti he deemed offensive to the Church was also written across the memorial but that it was removed on Sunday.
Chief inspector Joseph McNally from Warrington’s Local Policing Unit said it’s ‘particularly upsetting as these sites exist to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country’.
Cheshire Police believe the incident happened between 6pm-10pm on Friday October 30 and have issued a CCTV image of someone they’d like to speak to about the incident.
Canon Cunningham said: “There has been a persecution, if you like, of the Catholic church by people who have vandalised the crucifix where the war memorial is.
Reverend Canon Christopher Cunningham
“I got up this morning, went out and someone pointed out to me that the head of the figure was destroyed or knocked off. I was looking forward to celebrating mass but it was distracted because of the thoughts that were taking place. People were affected by it – they must have been.
“The graffiti was put on in rather offensive language against the Catholic church and against Christ himself. It is a true persecution. It is a reminder that we are journeying together facing that sort of evil in our world.
“Maybe it was something to do with Halloween that was celebrated last night but I think it was more than just people having a bit of fun – it was an attack on the church. I have not recovered, I suppose, I have not relaxed.”
One Facebook user commented: “So sorry to hear about that awful desecration. It’s hard to pray for cruel, nasty people but we must. l hope it can be restored.”
A second added: “Thank you Canon Christopher for taking the time today for your thoughts. It was upsetting to see what they’ve done to the cross and taking the Lord’s head off.”
The CCTV footage released by police of someone they wish to speak to
A third added: “Thank you Canon Christopher for your words of welcome and support as always. It was such a senseless act of malice to see the photo of the cross outside the Church earlier today.”
Chief inspector Joseph McNally from Warrington’s Local Policing unit LPU called the incident ‘particularly upsetting’ and ‘completely unacceptable’.
Chief inspector Joseph McNally said: “The vandalism of a war memorial is particularly upsetting as these sites exist to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has a significant impact on those who use and support the church and the wider community.
“Places of worship should be safe and welcoming environments and we are committed to identifying those responsible for this incident.
The war memorial with the graffiti and beheaded Jesus just days before Remembrance Day
“We believe the damage occurred during the evening hours and I would particularly urge anyone who was in the vicinity of St Alban’s Church between 6pm-10pm over the weekend to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.
“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area that could help identify those involved.
“We understand the concern incidents such as this can cause within the community and we’re working closely with local partners and church representatives as part of our investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website, quoting IML 2449856. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
St Alban’s Church have been contacted for comment.
