Pagans across the world have reacted angrily to accusations that they are responsible for a spate of attacks on churches in a Highland town.
In a year-long campaign, a series of sinister notes written in pink ink have been left on the front door of Grantown Baptist Church in High Street, Grantown, with the attacks culminating in a dead rabbit being pinned to the door a fortnight ago. Last week, church deacon Bob Fishwick suggested that the notes were the work of a “bit of a crackpot” and that pagans could be to blame.
The comments have provoked fury on an internet chat site, with people from as far away as Canada questioning the assumption that pagans are the perpetrators.
A post by Suzanne Sutherland said: “I am a pagan and I wouldn’t waste my time upsetting a congregation of any bona fide church, synagogue, temple or mosque. What does this church think pagans do anyway? Do they think we sit at home during the day cackling over our witches brews and riding our broomsticks at night?
“I am a human being in the 21st century and I have my own life to live and, likewise, I like to think that I give others a chance to get on with theirs in peace.”
On the last two notes, which were attached to the limbs of the dead rabbit, there was a picture of the “all-seeing eye” or the Eye of Providence - interpreted as the eye of God - next to the words: “We are always watching you.”
Internet posters said there was no relationship between the “all-seeing eye” and paganism.
Robin Edgar, from Quebec, Canada, said: “The all-seeing eye is a quite universal symbol found throughout the world in most, if not all, cultures.” He added: “I am not sure why the notes are being described as pagan-style.” Jennifer Sinclair said: “Our bottom line is: ‘Do as you will, but harm none’. Terrifying Christians at their church is not something we do, thank you very much.”
Last week, Northern Constabulary Chief Inspector Donald Henderson said: “We are taking this grossly offensive incident very seriously and are making every effort to detect and report the perpetrators of this despicable crime.”
Yesterday, a police spokesman said investigations were ongoing and no arrests had been made.
Northern Constabulary is also investigating reports of notes being left at a second Grantown church, St Columba’s Episcopal, in South West High Street. Anyone with information should contact police on 01479 872922.