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Buffalo Church Vandal Was Angry With God

BUFFALO, Minn. (WCCO) -- The motive behind a Buffalo man's church vandalism spree is more clear – it was Wade Murray's anger with God.

Murray is accused of breaking doors and throwing rocks through stained glass windows at six churches in Buffalo last weekend.

Police say the 30-year-old also left behind offensive messages and posters about religion and homosexuality.

On Sunday, Pastor Rob Jarvis of Hosanna Lutheran in Buffalo, Minn., found a disturbing poster, and on Monday the broken glass was discovered -- by Wednesday night the suspect sat in jail.

"Now that he's in custody, we recognize it's not going to happen anymore, and he's going to get some help," Jarvis said. "And I'm happy for that."

Police believe Wade Murray acted alone. Officers say Murray explained that he was motivated to commit these acts due to his anger with God over personal issues.

Because of the language on the posters left behind, the six churches targeted had originally thought it was over their stance on the proposed marriage amendment. A number of the churches -- not all -- plan to vote yes.

Police say he never indicated political motivations and it wasn't related to the amendment, adding that this seems to be a guy who needs help.

"I would like for him to know in Jesus there is that forgiveness," Jarvis said.

Murray is expected to be charged on Friday.

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