A religious, and at times racial, statement, the burning of a place of worship is more than a crime of passion or an acting out of misguided moral or political leanings. Church-burning is terrorism, and it’s a terrorism we’re dismayed to see take hold in our Valley.
Those who participated in Friday’s arson at Wasilla Bible Church are no better than the terrorist half a world away who bombs a mosque in the name of religious jihad. That those inside the local church were unhurt is a blessing. That Wasilla Bible Church is also the place of worship for Gov. Sarah Palin and came under national scrutiny during the recent presidential campaign makes the act more suspicious.
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On Saturday, Palin’s spokesman Bill McAllister issued a statement condemning this terrorist act, perhaps motivated by the “undeserved negative attention” the church received during the campaign. We add our condemnation, as well as a hope that those responsible also be pursued as domestic terrorists as well as arsonists.
“Whatever the motives of the arsonist, the governor has faith in the scriptural passage that what was intended for evil will in some way be used for good,” McAllister says in his statement.
We agree. If the intention in setting fire to Wasilla Bible Church was to alienate and destroy the faith of Palin, her supporters, the church’s membership or all Valley residents, the terrorists will be disappointed. They failed to shake our faith. Wasilla Bible Church meets this morning — as it does every Sunday — albeit at a different location in Wasilla Middle School.
In the meantime, we are hopeful local and federal authorities will find those responsible and take appropriate action to keep this evil from our Valley.
Comments
16 comment(s)To Valley Resident wrote on Dec 20, 2008 7:59 PM:
Valley Resident wrote on Dec 17, 2008 12:59 PM:
james wrote on Dec 16, 2008 4:45 PM:
To Valley Resident wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:01 PM:
T Mackenzie wrote on Dec 15, 2008 1:30 PM:
Jim from Boston wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:47 PM:
Why would anyone with a brain advocate arson against a church. It's a disgusting act. That coming from someone in a lower 48 cesspool that has everything from mosques to temples. Ukrainian orthodox, Baptist, Unitarian .. you name it. And in this cesspool we don't vandalize churches. "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:33 PM:
You seem to be an agitated individual, and I doubt it is the result of the fire at the church.
It is a criminal act and should be dealt with severly. So I suggest we let the authorities do their jobs and hope that there will be sufficient evidence to prosecute if it was set.
And if the investigation proves it was faulty wiring or something similar, lets look at that to determine ways to prevent future fires..
Enjoy your holiday's. "
Valley Resident wrote on Dec 15, 2008 8:21 AM:
PolarMom wrote on Dec 15, 2008 4:26 AM:
To Valley Resident wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:00 PM:
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 14, 2008 4:27 PM:
Dear Valley Resident,
Why are you intent on thinking it was aimed at Sarah? Curious how your mind works. Could it have been set by Palin supporters to keep her in the limelight? I am not suggesting that is the case, but it is possible, just as possible as your statement saying it was aimed at Sarah.
Get over your misguided thoughts, wake up smell the coffee. Thank you. "
Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 14, 2008 4:24 PM:
" Where are all the Palin haters when it comes to condemng an act of terrorism directed toward Palin and her Christian Faith? No comments from the lower 48 sewage pits like Boston and New York? You wacko hpocrites nauseate me. "
This may be a case of arson and I doubt it was specifically aimed at your "unethical governor" or her faith.
It may have been result of faulty wiring,but that does not change the fact that arson is wrong if it is arson. Catch and punish the guilty ones. "
valley resident wrote on Dec 14, 2008 10:27 AM:
T Mackenzie wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:38 AM:
Another View wrote on Dec 14, 2008 6:31 AM:
Ben C wrote on Dec 14, 2008 12:47 AM: