Senator-elect Jorge Seif (PL-SC) and Federal MP-elect Giulia Zanatta (PL-SC) shared false news this Sunday (16) about vandalism that may have occurred at an Adventist church in the city of Xasim, in the western part of Santa Catarina. . The post, which caused controversy and fear among believers, was deleted on Monday (17).

Image released by politicians in South Carolina – Photo: Reproduction/ND

The post, made by an MP and reposted by a senator, both elected in the 2022 election, was accompanied by a carousel of spray-painted photos of the church with profanity such as “God is a horn”, “Jesus is dead” and “Hypocritical believer” and Nazi symbols.

Seif wrote in the image caption. “Another attack on the church and our faith. This time it happened here in Santa Catarina, in the city of Haxim, west of Santa Catarina. Images speak louder than any signature. For those who think that we are living in normal elections, there is still time to open their eyes. They want the destruction of families,” he said.

Julia said: “My solidarity with the leaders and believers of the Adventist city of Xasim. I am sure that the UK Military Police will find and punish the vandals for their criminal and cowardly actions against the church. Remember that the PT and her gang support all dictators who persecute believers and protect those who destroy temples in Curitiba.”

The post of deputy was soon removed. O BUT+ could not find Julia to comment on what happened. The senator’s repost was removed as soon as the report came into contact with the politician’s advice. The Safe team informed BUT+ who arranged for the image to be removed because “this is an old publication, but not false, about the violence practiced against the institution.”

In a press release, the Seventh Day Baptist Church clarified that “the photos of the graffitied temple are not recent” and that this did not happen in Santa Catarina. “A case of vandalism occurred in April 2021 at an Adventist church located in the hinterland of Par.”

Jonas Michel Gonçalves, pastor of the Xaxim Church, quoted by politicians, commented on the Internet that many believers are concerned about this information. “Many brothers and friends are concerned, but this post is just a fake montage that combines random images.” On one of the images, by the way, there is an episode that took place in a church of another confession.

What did Seif say?

The post, made on 10/16/2022, is a repost about a fact that naturally caused a big stir in the entire Brazilian Christian community. Upon learning of a memo issued by the Seventh-day Adventist Church announcing that this happened in April 2021 in the state of Para, I took steps to have the message removed from circulation as it was an old post. , not lies, about the violence practiced against the institution. I continue to oppose any form of violence and religious persecution, wherever it occurs, and I fight to ensure that such incidents are investigated and those responsible identified and punished.

What the Adventist Church said

The Seventh-day Adventist Church clarifies that the graffiti photos of the temple now circulating on social media are not recent. It is also not true that such a community is located in the city of Haxim, in the west of Santa Catarina. The case of vandalism occurred in April 2021 at an Adventist church located in the hinterland of Par. The Seventh-day Adventist Church reports that all necessary measures were taken at the time of the incident. The fact was reported to the competent authority.