A man charged with vandalising a Catholic church in Philadelphia said he was frustrated because his lighter wouldn't work when he tried to light a candle.

George Johnson has been ordered to stand trial on charges of burglary, institutional vandalism and related charges.

Municipal Court Judge Thomas F. Gehret ordered the man to stand trial after hearing evidence from the Rev Anthony D'Angelico and the detective who interviewed the defendant.

Johnson, who is on bail, is accused of decapitating nativity statues, destroying about 100 candles, and splintering a marble lectern with a 4-foot brass candlestick on December 29 at the Annunciation Blessed Virgin Mary Church.