Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, Muslim council decry recent vandalism to Baldwin Borough church

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations this weekend were each decrying recent vandalism to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Baldwin Borough.

“The anti-Catholic and antisemitic messages left behind have wounded not only the people of this parish but every member of our diocesan family,” Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman said in a statement. “This holy place, meant for prayer, community, and the merciful presence of God has been violated in a deeply painful way.”

A spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said the organization is aware of the incident, but is leaving comment to the diocese, which has the primary role in the matter.

The diocese did not detail the damage that was done or state when it had happened or was discovered. St. Elizabeth is part of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish.

In its statement, the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it was discovered Friday and is believed to have happened between July 8 and 9. A statue of the Virgin Mary, a plaque on the bell tower and the door of a former convent on the property were among areas defaced.

The council, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said the FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, and encouraged anyone with information to contact local law enforcement or the FBI Pittsburgh field office.

“We are deeply disturbed by this cowardly and hateful act targeting a sacred space in our region,” said Christine Mohamed, executive director of CAIR’s Pittsburgh chapter. “No faith community should ever have to face this kind of hatred. We stand in full solidarity with our Catholic and Jewish neighbors and welcome the FBI’s investigation into this incident. Hate has no place in Pittsburgh — or anywhere.”

The diocese said it is cooperating fully with the FBI, which it said is leading the investigation.

“I am grateful for their swift and thorough attention to this matter,” Eckman said.

Citing policy from the FBI and the federal Department of Justice, FBI spokesman Bradford Arick said he was not permitted to confirm or deny any potential investigation.

Eckman said the diocese hopes to share more information this week.

“To the faithful who feel shaken, and to all in our wider community, know that your pain is shared, and my prayers are with you for comfort and healing,” he said.