The Ancient Order of Hibernians has condemned what it calls an act of desecration against a statue of the Virgin Mary in the grounds of a Brooklyn church.
Said the AOH in a statement: "The New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians is saddened to have learned that another attack took place on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Resurrection Church in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, N.Y. where a statue of the Virgin Mary was spray painted.
"Here in New York State, after seeing a rash of attacks on our churches and religious institutions, New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians President John Manning has put together an ad hoc committee of Hibernians and other faith religious leaders to respond to this ongoing problem.
"President Manning has led discussions with New York Attorney General Letitia James to see how the AG’s office and other law enforcement officials can strengthen existing laws regarding attacks on houses of worship here in New York State and consider these attacks as hate crimes. A bill was submitted for Assembly and Senate approval, but, was not taken up during this current legislative session that ended in June."
With regard to the latest attack, the AOH statement said that "thankfully, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended by two civilians while desecrating the Statue of the Virgin Mary. At the current time, the suspect is being held for questioning at the local police precinct."
New York State AOH Catholic Action Chairperson James Russell stated: “When is enough, enough. This report echoes what we have known for a long time.
"Crimes against our churches and other houses of worship have been on the rise. We encourage Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams and Attorney General James to work with us to combat this growing problem. As always, we remind our members that if you see something that isn’t right, say something”
