STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton announced that she will be reaching out to houses of worship in the wake of violence, vandalism and burglary at Roman Catholic churches on Staten Island.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply disturbed by the recent vile events that have taken place at various Catholic churches across my district,\u201d Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore and South Brooklyn, said in a statement to the Advance\/SILive.com on Monday.<\/p>\n
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\u201cFrom the defacement of St. Sylvester\u2019s on Christmas Day, to the burglary at St. Roch\u2019s rectory, and the shocking destruction of the altar and statue at St. Ann\u2019s in Dongan Hills, I am extremely troubled that this is happening in our community, particularly to our Catholic community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scarcella-Spanton expressed support for the NYPD officers who responded to the incidents.<\/p>\n
The politician said her team will connect with law enforcement and local churches \u201cto ensure that our houses of worship receive the security and support they need.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cMy heart goes out to anyone who was shook up by any of these instances, especially to the clergy and parishioners in attendance. Church is a place of peace and reflection, nobody should feel unsafe where they pray.\u201d<\/p>\n