Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, known locally as a place where many ethnic communities gather, was targeted three times this past July with racist graffiti.
The police took photos and are taking the matter very seriously, stepping up patrols in the neighborhood.
B’nai Brith, an organization that is an outspoken advocate of human rights, strongly condemned the desecration of the church. “To target a church that brings together so many different ethnic groups is an affront to every Canadian of good faith,” a letter by B’nai Brith stated.
“[The graffiti] was done in black paint on the back wall, side wall, and sidewalk,” said Rev. Henry Kranenburg. The church cleaned the graffiti up promptly after each occurrence, and there have been no further incidents.
Kranenburg, who stated that Immanuel CRC has tried to make itself available to different community and ethnic groups who use the church’s facilities, found the concern that was expressed through the police and B’nai Brith striking. “They have been concerned together with and for us,” he said.
It’s not clear what the motivation was, and no suspect has been arrested as yet.
