The Kiama Presbyterian Church is deeply saddened after waking up on Monday morning to a Church scrawled with the satanic symbol.

The graffiti, reading ‘hail satan’ and ‘God loves the homosexuals’, was found on the sign and the columbarium wall of the Church.

Minister Reverend Andrew Satchell says it is especially saddening to see the graffiti on the plaques in the columbarium wall which holds people’s ashes.

The removal of the vandalism – which will involve graffiti removal, pressure hosing and repainting – will cost the Church thousands of dollars.

Mayor Neil Reilly says he will advise the CEO to take any opportunity there is to support the Church in its removal.

He describes the incident and the vandal’s behaviour as disgraceful.

“It’s a form of bullying where a building and the significance of that building is the recipient,” Mayor Reilly says.

“The people who have perpetrated this are not only cowards but have no thought for anyone else other than their ridiculous notions of the world.”

While the incident is disappointing, Andrew says he will be praying for those who did this and would like to take the opportunity to talk with them and the whole Kiama community about Jesus Christ.

“Jesus came to bring light and life to all.

“It is why we gather on Sundays and during the week together, it is why we help serve the community with our op-shop, and it is why we want people to hear about who Jesus is and why his death and resurrection is still important today,” Andrew says.

“We would like to thank those in the community who have expressed their sadness at what has occurred and would like to invite everyone to come on Sundays at 9am.”

The graffiti is expected to be removed by Thursday.