Setting Fire to the Freedom of Religion

Last Friday evening , Wasilla Bible Church was set fire while several people and two children were inside. The church, which gained national media attention during the presidential campaign as having once been attended by Gov. Sarah Palin, has suffered at least one million dollars in damage due to the attack, which police suspect was an act of arson.

After hearing of the news the next day, Gov. Palin’s office issued this statement:

Gov. Palin stopped by the church this morning, and she told an assistant pastor that she apologizes if the incident is in any way connected to the undeserved negative attention the church has received since she became a vice-presidential candidate on August 29. Whatever the motives of the arsonist, the governor has faith in the scriptural passage that what was intended for evil will in some way be used for good.

Palin’s apology is compassionate but, of course, quite unnecessary. Congregating with her community in worship is no cause for apology.