Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, decried the burning of a cross in front of an Olney resident's home on Monday night. In this peaceful and racially mixed neighborhood, residents are mystified by the attack and say it is not reflective of attitudes in Olney. Cardinal Bevilacqua said "it is my deep hope that this hate crime does not have its roots in racism. No matter the source, this is a deplorable act, one that was committed by someone who would violate not only another person's home, but their very dignity as a child of God, equal in His eyes and His love."

Mr. Walter Johnson, an African-American who is legally blind, was informed by police about the cross burning. Someone tied a wooden cross to the railing of Mr. Johnson's front porch and set it on fire.

"Sadly, as we approach the millennium, our society is still divided," said Cardinal Bevilacqua. "We must reach out to one another with compassion and respect and remember that Jesus taught us to love one another in the same way He loves us. Every day we should continue our efforts to reject hatred," said Cardinal Bevilacqua.

"My prayers are with Mr. Johnson and the entire community during this difficult time," said Cardinal Bevilacqua. "It is my hope that they and all people of goodwill work together in harmony to build the kingdom of God."