Global Church Crime News 04/23/2023

(April 19) Man, 37, Docked For Swindling Catholic Churc N21M Meant For Project | LAGOS

A 37-year old man, Nwafor Onyebuchi, has been arrested in Lagos for allegedly swindling Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Alaba, Ojo area of Lagos to the tune of N21m meant for a building project.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Onyebuchi, has been charged before a Badagry Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on a three-count charge of stealing, breach of public peace and conspiracy.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Adeosun, told the Court that the defendant, Onyebuchi, committed the offences on 21st December, 2022, at the church and escaped.

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(April 18) Silverware Stolen From Wareham Church During Overnight Raid | ENGLAND

A collection of silverware, including chalices, plates and candlesticks, has been stolen from a church in Wareham. Officers from Dorset Police state the theft happened between around 9.45pm on Friday (April 14) and 9am the next morning at the Lady St Mary Church at Church Green.

They are asking members of the public with any information or potential witnesses to the silverware theft to come forward. Police Constable Ryan Dunkerley, of Purbeck police, said: “We are conducting enquiries into this burglary, and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation.

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(April 18) Two Injured On Orthodox Easter Church Attack | UKRAINE

Russia’s military bombed a church in Ukraine on Sunday as Orthodox Christians celebrated Resurrection Day.

Thankfully, no one was killed, and only two people were injured. Orthodox Christians observe Easter on a different day than Protestants and Catholics because the Orthodox Church follows a different calendar.

Trans World Radio’s Alenka Stephenson says every day brings new challenges for believers in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, this war has become normal, as bad as it sounds,” Stephenson says.

As the war drags on, people adapt to survive. Earlier this month, Ukraine began training chaplains as officers, equipping them with military knowledge and tactical first aid.

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(April 15) 'Good News' Church Pastor Mackenzie Arrested After Followers Starved To Death | KENYA

Controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church has been arrested after 4 of his followers died while starving to "meet Jesus."

The pastor, who faced similar charges last month after 2 children died under similar circumstances, surrendered to police late yesterday.

Police had launched a manhunt on him after four people died while being rescued from a forest in Kilifi where they had been starving for three months so as to die in the hope of meeting Jesus.

Eleven others were rescued and taken to hospital but it is reported that some have declined food and medicine, saying they are determined to meet their fate in line with the extreme teachings of pastor Mackenzie.

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