Nativity Scenes Vandalized Nationwide

Bill Donohue of the Catholic League reports from across the nation about nativity scenes being vandalized.

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Catholic League) - Every year we are flooded with reports from across the nation about nativity scenes being vandalized. This year was no different.

Here is a list of some of the incidents that came to our attention:

• In Sandusky, Ohio a 50-year old figure of the Baby Jesus was stolen from a downtown park; it was found a few days later hanging from a ceiling fan in the apartment of the thief who stole it

• A Christian pastor in Loma Linda, California was beaten and left in critical condition while decorating his church

• In Orange County, Florida a Christian church's drive-through nativity scene was completely demolished by vandals

• The Blessed Virgin figure was stolen from a nativity scene in front of a home in Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Twice within a couple of weeks, the crèche in Norwood, Massachusetts was vandalized

• A drive-through nativity built by a Christian church in Stone Mountain, Georgia was destroyed

• In Waggaman, Louisiana, a 38-year old man, accompanied by two boys, trashed Christmas decorations at five homes

• A 50-year old statue of a shepherd was beheaded in a nativity scene in downtown Kingsport, Tennessee

• The Holy Family was stolen from a crèche outside of a home in New Albany, Indiana

• The nativity scene in front of a Christian church in Christoval, Texas was splattered with red paint

• Figures of the Baby Jesus were stolen from homes or churches in Memphis, Tennessee; Littlestown, Pennsylvania; Valrico, California; Akron, Ohio; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Andover, New York; Sumter, South Carolina; St. Charles, Illinois; Moberly, Missouri; Lehighton, Pennsylvania; Bismarck, North Dakota; Omaha, Nebraska; Paw Paw, Michigan; North Richland Hills, Texas; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics – lay and clergy alike – to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination. It is led by its' President, William A. Donohue, Ph.D.