Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu condemned the violent crime that occurred inside San Fernando El Rey Church in Liloan town, calling it a “grave act of violence” that desecrated a sacred place.

Authorities reported that a woman, believed to be around 30 years old, was found dead inside the church on Friday morning. Police said she suffered visible head injuries, bleeding from the nose, and bruises on the neck.

The archdiocese confirmed, based on CCTV footage, that the victim was assaulted inside the church.

In a statement, Archbishop Uy expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the victim’s family, saying the incident caused “profound scandal and pain” among the faithful.

“We unite in prayer for the victim’s family as we condemn in the strongest terms this act of violence committed within the very house of God,” Uy said.

Citing church law, the Archbishop emphasized that a church is considered desecrated when it suffers “grave injury through acts done in it which are seriously disrespectful and give scandal to the faithful.”

In response, Uy decreed the temporary closure of San Fernando El Rey Church and suspended all acts of worship, in accordance with canonical norms, “until proper canonical procedures are completed to ensure the reparation of the desecration and the restoration of the church’s dignity.”

A rite of reparation will be determined in consultation with parish clergy and the chancery.

Uy urged the faithful to respond to the tragedy “not with anger, but with prayer, compassion, and solidarity—especially for the victim and her family.”

“Let us all reaffirm our respect for every human person and for the sanctity of our sacred spaces, which are meant to be places of refuge, reverence, and healing,” he said.

The archdiocese called on parishioners and the wider community to come together in prayer and reflection, underscoring the need to protect and honor sacred spaces.