5-25-2023 4:41pm

Morristown Police Investigate Alleged Bias-Based Vandalism at Church of the Redeemer

Chris Connors Editor

A probe into a suspected hate crime at the Morristown church has been initiated following the vandalism of its sign.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, led by Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, and Morristown Chief Darnell Richardson, has launched an investigation into the recent act of vandalism targeting the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown. The church's sign, situated near a series of rainbow flags set up outside the church the previous evening, was discovered damaged on the morning of May 20, 2023.

An active and ongoing investigation is underway to determine whether this act of vandalism is a bias-based incident. The authorities were alerted by a member of the church personnel who first noticed the damage to the sign.

As part of the inquiry, representatives from the Morristown Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office met with Rev. Cynthia Black, Rector of the Church of the Redeemer, on May 23 to discuss the case, and to ensure the implementation of proactive measures aimed at reassuring concerned parishioners.

In a statement, Prosecutor Carroll expressed his regret over the incident, praising the contributions of the Church's congregation to the community.

He said, “It is unfortunate that someone would damage the sign of a church whose congregation has done so much for this community. Our office is fully committed to investigating whether or not this was an act of bias conduct. We thank Chief Richardson and Rev. Black for their cooperation and would like to convey a strong message that we are taking this matter seriously. Bias-based conduct and vandalism will not be tolerated.”

Local law enforcement is encouraging any individual with information related to this investigation to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200 or the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200. They emphasize the importance of community support in bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety and sanctity of local religious institutions.