Catholic church in Prince George vandalized again, RCMP say
A Catholic church in Prince George has been vandalized, and not for the first time, according to the local RCMP detachment.
The latest instance of vandalism at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Patricia Boulevard happened sometime between 11 p.m. on Tuesday and 1 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release from Prince George RCMP.
Police said they were notified of the graffiti that had been spray-painted on the church's front doors shortly before 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
Responding officers saw the phrase "Every Child M" painted on the doors, police said. The phrase seems likely to be the start of the slogan "Every Child Matters," which has been widely used in solidarity with Indigenous communities in B.C. and across Canada as First Nations continue to discover unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools.
For most of their history, Canada's residential schools were run by Christian churches - including the Catholic Church - on behalf of the federal government.
The schools were known for overcrowding, poor sanitation, unhealthy food and menial labour. Harsh punishment was given to students who spoke their native language or took part in traditional ceremonies.
"Every Child Matters" was also painted outside of Knox United Church in July, and several other acts of vandalism have been committed at Sacred Heart and other churches around the city since June, according to RCMP.
Last week, police released summaries of 10 such incidents at five different churches in Prince George and asked the public for help identifying suspects in some of the cases.
"Police are continuing to do proactive patrols around places of worship in Prince George to curb the ongoing vandalism," RCMP said in their latest release on Thursday. "Additionally, some churches have taken the extra step of hiring private security to conduct their own patrols."
Mounties ask anyone who has information about the most recent incident at Sacred Heart Cathedral or any of the other acts of vandalism at churches around the city to call them at 250- 561-3300.
Prince George is not the only place where churches have been targeted for vandalism and arson this summer.
Several churches on First Nations reserves in the Interior were burned in late June and early July, and police in Metro Vancouver have also reported a number of incidents.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.