3 Columbianan County churches spray-painted with anti-Christian graffiti

WELLSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Officials say police are investigating after vandals spray-painted upside down crosses and other anti-Christian graffiti at three Columbiana County churches.

Tom Brophey, a member of the now closed Immaculate Conception Church in the village of Wellsville says he’s putting a tarp over a Virgin Mary statue. The statue’s face is covered in black paint and has an upside down cross painted on its body.

Upside-down crosses also cover a Wellsville United Methodist church sign.

A Covenant Presbyterian church door had the word “Satan” painted on it. Remnants of the marks remain visible.

Village Mayor Nancy Murray tells WTOV-TV police are asking stores that sell spray-paint to contact police.