Jesus Walks, Gets Mugged

By Matt Wood in News on Oct 19, 2006 1:46PM

Isn't church supposed to be a sanctuary? No doubt, when you go to your chosen house of worship, you don't expect to be ripped off by a band of gun-toting robbers, or your priest for that matter. But two Chicago congregations found themselves on the wrong end of the collection plate yesterday.

Parishioners at the Israel of God's Church in the Lawndale neighborhood were held up at gunpoint by three armed men Wednesday night. At least one shot was fired, but no one was hurt as the robbers made off with cash and valuables. Police are still taking statements from the congregation, as the lead detective was overwhelmed when he asked, "Can I get a witness?"

But getting robbed by bad guys is one thing; getting fleeced by your priest is another. Rev. Mark Sorvillo of the Margaret Mary Church in West Rogers Park turned himself in yesterday after he learned that he was going to be arrested for stealing $200,000 from the church. He spent the money on vacations to Europe, trips to Neiman Marcus, and booze (which we assume wasn't sacramental wine).