By Catholic News Service
PORTLAND, Ore. — Police officers successfully drove dozens of anarchist rioters away from Holy Redeemer Church in Portland late July 1.
The Portland Activists online calendar had announced a night rally at nearby Peninsula Park with the intent to “Abolish SCOTUS.”
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and letting the states decide abortion laws, Catholic buildings across the nation have been a target of vandals who have cited the church’s support for the unborn.
Holy Redeemer had been vandalized with graffiti in the spring and was being mentioned by name in anarchist chatter in late June. After the Peninsula Park rally, more than one fringe group bent on vandalism marched toward Holy Redeemer.
But police were ready, along with the media who had alerted the public earlier that day.
“When the anarchists approached our block, the police announced it was an illegal gathering and blocked them as they rushed the church building,” said Holy Redeemer parish council member Tom Markgraf, whose family has been members of Holy Redeemer for more than a century.
“The police were superb. They blocked the anarchists. The lights shining on them and exposing them caused many to pull back. The church building was spared,” he said.
After police determined the threat had diminished shortly after midnight and returned to patrol duty, private security guards hired by the parochial vicar averted three attempts in the early morning by small groups seemingly intent on doing mayhem at the church.
In the days leading up to July 1 and the planned protest, Holy Cross Father Michael Belinsky, parochial vicar of Holy Redeemer, worked with the Portland police, private security and the Archdiocese of Portland to manage the potential violence and threat to property and persons.
Parish staff and volunteers barricaded the church’s front glass doors and removed everything from the church that could be used as a weapon or was flammable. Even the tabernacle and the Blessed Sacrament were removed for safety.
Two retired police officers stayed with Father Belinsky, Holy Cross Father Cameron Cortens and two seminarians in the rectory the night of July 1 for protection, even devising an evacuation plan in case the building were breached.
Markgraf hailed Father Belinsky’s leadership.
“He was steadfast in a peaceful response, securing the building and his attitude with the press was amazing,” Markgraf told the Catholic Sentinel, Portland’s archdiocesan newspaper.
Father Belinsky stayed in touch with Holy Cross Father Pat Neary, the pastor, who was in Rome for a General Chapter meeting of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, who was out of town, and officials at the pastoral center as well as local police.
