Arsonists Torch Bronx Synagogue-Turned-Church

December 10, 2009

Author: Verena Dobnik

Source: Delaware Online/USA TODAY

Wire Service: AP

http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=delawareonline&sParam=32264841.story

A former Bronx synagogue that was turned into a church was torched by assailants who smeared Satanic graffiti on its walls.

"We have no idea who did this," said the Rev. Raymond Talavera, pastor of the 150-member nondenominational Glory of Christ Church.

Only the hard plastic pulpit survived, the pastor said.

More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, just before morning prayers at 5:30 a.m. By then, the flames in the two-story building were under control, according to fire department officials. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Words scrawled in big black letters on a wall by the church entrance -- "GET OFF OUR BLOCK" -- offered no clue as to who was responsible for the fiery attack, said Talavera, speaking on his cell phone outside the building.