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Former Congregant Charged In Church Fires Says He Was 'Mad At God'

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) - A man charged with setting two fires at a Pennsylvania church that had kicked him out of the congregation says he was "mad at God."

Wilmer Ortiz Torres is a former member at Iglesia Pentecostal De Bethlehem and faces arson and related charges over the April fires.

The Morning Call says 43-year-old Torres waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday and then spoke briefly with reporters.

When asked if he set the fires, Torres replied yes and that he was "mad at God." His attorney declined to comment.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli says Torres, who remains in jail, has "some mental health issues."

Police say Torres held a grudge against the church that "festered and festered."

The first fire gutted the church's sanctuary. A second fire damaged the roof. No one was injured.

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Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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