Arrest Made In Vandalism, Bible Burning At 160-Year Old NJ Church

LIBERTY, NJ — Police have arrested a man they say vandalized a 160-year-old church and burned their Bibles in Liberty Township over the weekend.

Nikolas Marcu, 27, of Liberty Township, is accused of causing extensive damage to the church, including damaging several instruments, ripping hymnals and burning Bibles. He's being charged with degree bias intimidation, aggravated arson, burglary, criminal mischief and theft, New Jersey State Police said on Wednesday.

Police say between Oct. 19 and Oct. 22, Marcu broke into Free Union Methodist Church in Liberty and caused damage to the building and various religious items. Tips from social media led police to Marcu, they said, and he was arrested at his home.

The church discovered the damage on Sunday morning before services, they said on Facebook.

"We pray for those responsible. Give us strength to forgive them. 'For they know not what they do,'" the church wrote on Sunday morning.

An emergency meeting is being held on Sunday to discuss how to move forward, they said on Facebook, writing that they've been "overwhelmed with offers to help."

Image via New Jersey State Police