Three Bethesda churches were vandalized and two of the churches were set on fire over the weekend, according to authorities. The churches of different denominations are located in close proximity on Old Georgetown Road.
On Saturday, at approximately 1:30 a.m., authorities responded to the North Bethesda United Methodist Church in the 10100 block of Old Georgetown Road for arson and associated vandalism.
Investigators also located damaged head stones and broken wood pieces scattered at Wildwood Baptist Church, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer said. However, no fire was reported at the church located in the 10200 block of Old Georgetown Road.
On Sunday, at approximately 2 a.m., authorities responded to St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in the 9600 bock of Old Georgetown Road for the report of a fire.
“The preliminary on scene investigation of both events determined that the suspect(s) forced entry into the church and vandalized various areas,” a Montgomery County Police spokesperson said.
“I believe that this is because of the church’s stand on the issue of life— when it begins and that it should be protected— and that this is one of the manifestations of the deep divisions right now within our country,” Rev. Samuel Giese from St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church said during Sunday mass.
Authorities continue to investigate the three incidents and have not released a motive or suspect information.
Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson called the incidents “abhorrent” and “horrifying.”
“I’m not an investigator or prosecutor but certainly believe they should be and have every confidence they will be. We can’t allow this type of violence against religious institutions in our county,” Friedson said in a tweet.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the attacks on houses of worship in the county are completely unacceptable. “The criminal activity that took place over the weekend does not represent the values of inclusion and equity that we are striving for in the communities of this county. We pride ourselves on our diversity of religious communities. A hateful incident against one community impacts us all,” Elrich added.
“The church is not a building. We love our building, it’s a beautiful building and I’m so glad that we have it,” Rev. Joye Jones from North Bethesda United Methodist Church said. “And they can damage the structure, but it’s a different thing to damage the church.”
Piringer urges anyone with information to call the arson tip line at 240-777-2263.
