A dead cat mounted to a cross with a biblical message was found outside a Lake County church.
Around 7 a.m. Sunday, an employee with Real Life Christian Church, 1501 Steve's Road, discovered the cat on the west side of the building.
We are not showing the image of the animal because some may find it offensive.
Part of the cross had a with a Bible verse written on it. It stated:
“Thou shalt not make my father’s house a den of thieves. Matthew 7:3, ye hypocrites”
Church leaders refused to talk on camera about the disturbing discovery– but issued this statement:
"We are truly saddened by this inhumane act against one of God’s creatures. While we have no idea what would prompt someone to do something like this, we are praying for them and for those affected by it."
Yvonne Marchione lives nearby and sometimes attends church at the Real Life Church.
“It’s hideous, it’s disgusting that someone would do that,” she said.
Church leaders said there is surveillance around the building – but cameras did not pick up any video showing the person or people responsible for this.
Now police are trying to solve the mystery of why someone would do this.
This is the same church that recently received a $1.4 million donation, which the ministry is putting much of it toward its local outreach programs to refurbish homes for the poor and elderly, plus operating a food pantry.