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Lindenwold church vandalized

A Lindenwold church was vandalized Wednesday when someone hurled glass candle holders through several stained-glass windows and knocked over the cross on the altar, authorities and church officials said.

A Lindenwold church was vandalized Wednesday when someone hurled glass candle holders through several stained-glass windows and knocked over the cross on the altar, authorities and church officials said.

The incident happened between 11:30 a.m. and noon at St. Lawrence Church at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine in the 100 block of North White Horse Pike when someone walked inside.

A worker had stepped out at the time, but the doors were unlocked for visitors who wanted to worship, Lindenwold Police Detective Christopher Sherrer said. He said that one person was responsible and that it did not appear to be a hate crime.

Investigators are gathering surveillance footage from surrounding properties to try to identify a suspect, he said.

The Rev. Joseph P. Capella said in a statement released by the Diocese of Camden that he was praying for the person responsible to turn himself or herself in to authorities.

The statement said that there was several thousand dollars in damage but that nothing was stolen. The church will be open only for Masses and scheduled events as a safety precaution for the "foreseeable future," the statement said.

Anyone with information can call the Lindenwold Police Department at 856-784-7566.

mboren@phillynews.com

856-779-3829 @borenmc