JourneyOnline
The Uniting Church in West Mackay was forced to move a nativity scene after it was daubed with satanic graffiti.
West Mackay minister Pastor Euan McDonald said the number 666 was spray painted on a statute of the Virgin Mary and a wall was also vandalised.
Last weekend statues were stolen and dumped at a nearby caravan park.
"It’s discouraging to see the work parishioners have put in, to see it abused," Mr McDonald said.
"I guess that there was constant attacks against the church, against the nativity and I guess it’s something sacred for our beliefs and it’s not hurting anybody, it’s always been there, every year we’ve had it, but this year it seems to be a sustained attack against it."
One of the satanic symbols was a pentacle, a star drawn inside a circle which is a symbol used in pagan worship and witchcraft.
Mr McDonald said while he knew of "quite a few satanical witches’ covens in the Mackay district", he could not be sure they were responsible.
He said parishioners were angry and disappointed.
Sgt Nigel Dalton from the Police Crime Prevention Unit condemned the latest attacks of vandalism on churches in the Mackay area and said police will be stepping up patrols throughout the city over the holiday period.
Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for vandals.
Photo : West Mackay minister Pastor Euan McDonald
