Altar of Cathedral of Christ the King church in Ballarat set on fire leaving $75k bill
A Victorian man has been arrested less than 24 hours after a regional church was set ablaze in a brazen attack.
Security cameras inside the Cathedral of Christ the King church in Ballarat captured a man pouring accelerant from a red canister before setting furniture on fire shortly after 3pm on Thursday.
While the fire was quickly extinguished by church staff, police estimated the damage bill at $75,000, according to Victoria Police.
“The incident is not believed to be religiously motivated,” a spokesman said.
The man allegedly broke a window when leaving and damaged the pulpit, altar and other antique furniture in the fire.
Local detectives arrested a 53-year-old Ballarat man on Bell St in Reden the next day, charging him with arson, criminal damage, assault and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Ballarat CIU Detective Sergeant Glen Melder said police recognized the church was “a safe space for many people” and worked efficiently to make arrests.
In a statement shared on social media on Friday, the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat called on supporters to “pray for the person who lit the fire”.
“Due to the fire that broke out in the Cathedral yesterday, the Eucharist at Lunch will not be held today,” the diocese said.
“This weekend the Cathedral’s Sunday services will be held in the Synod Hall so that it can be properly cleaned and the building made safe for the general public.
Saturday’s Safe Church Education will continue as planned.
“Please remember, no-one was injured and thanks to the Registrar’s quick action, the fire was extinguished immediately.
“Please pray that the person who lit the fire can get the help they need.”
The man accused of causing the fire was bailed to return to Ballarat Magistrates Court on November 17.
