Archbishop of York condemns church 'desecration'
BBCThe Archbishop of York has described vandalism at a Lancashire church as a "desecration".
Sexually graphic images and expletives were sprayed at St James Church in Leyland, near Preston, on Good Friday.
"God is a lie" was scrawled on the church's exterior and obscene graffiti was daubed over nearly 40 gravestones.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell said he was "holding [the church] in his prayers".
In his letter to the church, the Archbishop said: "For this precious holy ground to be so appallingly desecrated is deeply shocking.
"Easter should be a time of celebration and joy. It saddens me greatly that this Easter your own celebrations may feel a little muted.
"I hope it is a small comfort to know that, alongside many others, I am holding you and your church in my prayers this Easter."
Vicar Marc Wolverson said the attack did not deter the congregation, who carried on with their Good Friday service before hosting a wedding on the Saturday.
He said the local community rallied round to help them remove the graffiti and the building and grounds had also been rededicated to the worship of God.
"My first reaction was heartbreak at the actions of these individuals who perpetrated this crime. I feel very sorry for them," he said.
"It's the worst thing I've had to deal with as a vicar.
"But, in the days since, the way we have seen the people of Leyland rally round to help has been so uplifting."
Lancashire Police said the "disgraceful act of vandalism" was "being treated as a hate crime".
The force said no arrests had been made, but investigations were continuing.
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