Sheriff: Church graffiti could be religion-based hate crime

EUREKA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Authorities in west-central Michigan say they are investigating vandalism on a church near Greenville as a possible religion-based hate crime.

The Grand Rapids Press and Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant report Thursday that Montcalm County sheriff’s officials found graffiti on the Belgreen Seventh Day Adventist Church in Eureka Township.

Deputies say “Thank God for Satan” and “God is a lie” were written in orange spray paint on the side of the church. They say the damage was done late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Sheriff’s officials say they have little to go on and seek more information.